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The Intelligence from The Economist

Over the Yoon: South Korea ousts president

Apr 4, 2025
Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief for The Economist, delves into the political turmoil in South Korea following President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment after his martial law declaration. He discusses the divided society and economic hurdles the nation faces. Snyder also introduces the intriguing concept of the 'Henry' – high earners not yet wealthy – and how their tax burdens differ from expectations. Additionally, he sheds light on the cultural stigmas surrounding tofu, showcasing its versatility and challenging its political associations.
20:59

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The impeachment of President Yoon marks a critical juncture in South Korea's politics, revealing deep societal divisions and economic challenges ahead.
  • Concerns around high earners in the UK highlight issues of taxation fairness and the impact of policy decisions on this significant income group.

Deep dives

Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol

The South Korean constitutional court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol due to his unconstitutional declaration of martial law. This decision was met with jubilation from crowds outside the court while Yoon's supporters expressed their sorrow. The court ruled unanimously that Yoon's actions violated democratic principles, marking him as the second South Korean president to be impeached. His removal highlights the ongoing divisions within South Korean society as the country enters a new phase of political uncertainty and prepares for a snap presidential election.

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