South Korea Shows Justice Can Protect Democracy
Foreign Policy
by S. Nathan ParkFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Korea's recent handling of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's coup attempt serves as a significant example for other democracies grappling with far-right challenges. The Seoul Central District Court delivered a life sentence to Yoon for his attempted insurrection, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's young democratic history. This decision not only underscored the strength of South Korea's legal system but also reaffirmed the country's commitment to preserving democratic values despite past authoritarian rule.
Yoon's coup attempt on December 3, 202
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026