NYT: "Yoon Conceals Political Deal with Ruling Party through National Address"

NYT "Political Deal Allows Possible Reappointment for Now"
WSJ "People Power's Choice Is the Worst Outcome"

As the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol was rejected, foreign media are analyzing that political turmoil may accelerate further.

The prominent U.S. daily, The New York Times (NYT), published an article on the 7th (local time) titled "A Deal by South Korea's Leader to Avoid Impeachment Could Bring Greater Risks."

In the article, NYT stated, "The attempt to impeach President Yoon has ended in failure," and noted, "The political upheaval and uncertainty that shook South Korea, America's most important ally, following the brief imposition of martial law this week, could be prolonged."

Additionally, regarding President Yoon's national address on the 7th, before the parliamentary vote on the impeachment motion, the article criticized it as a "political deal."

On the night of the 6th, citizens held a candlelight rally urging the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

NYT said, "In his two-minute address, President Yoon said he would leave his term and governance plans to his party," adding, "However, this concealed a carefully crafted political deal with the ruling party to allow him to remain in office for the time being."

It continued, "It is also unclear whether President Yoon is willing to accept calls for early resignation," forecasting future political turmoil and uncertainty.

The Washington Post (WP) also ran an article titled "South Korean President Avoids Impeachment After Martial Law Misstep," reporting, "Members of the People Power Party united in the vote to support the president," and "They were more concerned about the return of a progressive government than about President Yoon's actions."

It further assessed, "The failure of this vote is likely to lead to additional political turmoil and increased public demands for the president's resignation."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in an article titled "South Korean President Avoids Impeachment as Ruling Party Boycotts Vote," quoted Karl Friedhoff, a Korea expert at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, saying, "The People Power Party choosing the party over the nation is the worst outcome."

It added, "The failure of the impeachment attempt is likely to prolong the political turmoil that has shaken South Korea."