Impeached and Suspended
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached and suspended by an overwhelming 204-85 vote in the National Assembly. The action was instigated by Yoon’s six-hour invocation of martial law two weeks ago, which he claims was in response to the parliament behaving like a “den of criminals.” The suspension puts Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in power while the Constitutional Court decides whether to restore or permanently remove Yoon.
Analysis and eternal perspective: It is easy to forget when we have not personally experienced it, but history and God’s Word are both very clear about governments of men: They are temporary. Nations and rulers rise and fall (Acts 17:26), and only the eternal Kingdom is forever (Ps. 9:7).
The current tumult in South Korea is sudden and surprising on one hand, but not all that unique if compared against a wider view of human history. It feels jarring that a situation this chaotic is possible in a relatively stable and peaceful democracy, but that reality should inform the way we interact with our own governance.
For those of us living in a democratic self-governing system like the United States, this story reminds us how fleeting stability can be and encourages us to be constantly inclined to strengthening our republic.
For those living under less democratic governance, this story is a reminder that, while earthly freedom is certainly worthy of pursuing (Gal. 5:1), our ultimate realization of liberty will be fulfilled in eternity (Rev. 21:1-5).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.