“Can Former President Yoon Suk-yeol Run Again?”

Can Former President Yoon Suk-yeol Run Again? Legal Barriers and Political Symbolism Explained

In early April 2025, a political phrase began circulating at conservative rallies across South Korea: “YOON AGAIN.” This slogan, simple yet provocative, alludes to the idea of former President Yoon Suk-yeol making a comeback and running in the next presidential election. Originating from a prison letter written by former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, the phrase has quickly gained traction among conservative circles both on the streets and online forums.

But a crucial legal question arises: Is it even constitutionally possible for Yoon Suk-yeol to run for president again?

The Symbolism Behind “YOON AGAIN”

The slogan was first introduced through a handwritten letter by Kim Yong-hyun, who called for a political revival of Yoon, praising his firm stance on North Korea and legal reform efforts during his tenure. Supporters have since embraced “YOON AGAIN” as more than a slogan — it now symbolizes a desire for a political course correction and a return to strong conservative leadership.

However, symbolic rhetoric and constitutional law often exist in separate realms. Understanding whether such a comeback is legally feasible requires a deeper dive into South Korea’s legal system.

Constitutional and Legal Barriers

Under the current South Korean Constitution, the presidency is strictly limited to a single five-year term with no option for re-election. Additionally, Article 54 of the Constitutional Court Act presents another obstacle: individuals removed from office through impeachment are barred from holding public office for five years after the ruling.

Yoon Suk-yeol, having been impeached and removed, would need to wait out this five-year ban first. Even then, for him to legally run again, the Constitution itself would need to be amended to abolish the single-term rule. These dual requirements — passage of time and constitutional revision — make the prospect extremely unlikely under current political conditions.

What About First Lady Kim Keon-hee?

With legal paths blocked for Yoon, some in conservative circles have speculated about First Lady Kim Keon-hee as a potential candidate. Legally, she faces no restrictions, as she has not held public office or been convicted of a disqualifying offense. While under investigation, she remains eligible to run unless sentenced to imprisonment.

However, the absence of political experience and a polarizing public image could pose significant electoral challenges, making her a long-shot candidate despite legal eligibility.

Legal Summary and Political Reality

From a legal standpoint:

• Yoon Suk-yeol is ineligible to run until 5 years after his impeachment and only if the Constitution is amended.

• Kim Keon-hee is eligible, but faces public scrutiny and lacks political experience.

As political analyst Lee Mo puts it, “Politics is the art of balancing legal possibility with social reality. The law sets the stage, but public sentiment decides the play.”

Final Thoughts

“YOON AGAIN” may be an emotionally charged call for leadership continuity among conservatives, but its legal viability remains minimal at best. The South Korean Constitution was designed to prevent long-term consolidation of presidential power — a principle rooted in the country’s democratic evolution.

Nonetheless, the emergence of this slogan shows that in South Korea, politics is never static. Ideas, legal debates, and public sentiment continue to intersect, reminding us that democracy is not just shaped by laws, but also by the conversations around them.