51,600,400 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies South Korea as democratic.
South Korea (Republic of Korea) is a constitutional republic headed by the president, who holds the highest executive authority and is directly elected. The 1987 constitution mandates direct election of the national assembly every four years. From 1948 to the 1980s, South Korea was under authoritarian rule, both under its former presidents and military dictators. However, since the late 1980s, South Korea has witnessed peaceful transfers of power following each democratic national election. Election results remain highly competitive with thin margins, as seen during the 2022 presidential elections when former President Yoon Suk-yeol won by a mere 0.73 percent margin with 48.56 percent of the total votes.
On December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declared an emergency martial law in the country, citing opposition lawmakers’ “anti-state” activities. This was the first declaration of martial law since South Korea’s transition to democracy, and the 17th in the country’s history. The declaration created a state of political crisis as democratic norms were severely threatened and was revoked six hours later when lawmakers immediately voted to reject it amid nationwide protests. The President was suspended and charged with impeachment. In April 2025, President Yoon’s impeachment was upheld by the country’s constitutional court. In June 2025, presidential elections were held in South Korea, with the Democratic Party of Korea’s candidate Lee Jae-myung emerging as the victor in the competitive elections. Following the martial law declaration and the recent elections, institutional reforms under constitutional norms prevail in the country, upholding determined democratic action to prevent authoritarian tendencies.
National elections are free and fair in South Korea. Political opposition parties and candidates can run and compete in elections freely without coercion or interference and on reasonably equal footing as the incumbent party. Elections are overseen by a statutory constitutional body. The elections are competitive, with a regular and peaceful transfer of power between the opposition and the main party, and each one obtaining narrow vote shares.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and members of the general public are largely free to openly criticize or challenge the government. There is a vibrant public debate and criticism of policies, with diverse critical voices expressing challenges to the government without repression. There is no direct censorship of speech or dissent by the current government.
Institutions in South Korea are independent and largely serve as effective checks on the government. Rule of law prevails in the country where institutions hold government officials accountable. The courts and the legislature adhere to constitutional norms, including checks and balances on the government (executive), and act as reliable safeguards against the abuse of power, ensuring accountability and transparency.
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