Yoon Suk Yeol Biography
South Korean lawyer, politician & President of South Korea since 2022.
| Name | Yoon Suk Yeol |
| Parents | Yoon Ki-joong and Choi Seong-ja |
| Political party | People Power Party |
| Spouse | Kim Keon-hee (d. 2012) |
| Nickname | Gyong |
| Children | 3 |
Yoon Suk Yeol was born on the 18th day of December, 1960 in Seoul, South Korea.
Family:
Yoon Ki-joong, his father, is a renowned economist and Yonsei University's professor emeritus. He is also a full member of the National Academy of Sciences Republic of Korea. His mother, Choi Seong-ja, was a lecturer at Ewha Womans University where she taught history.
Father of Yoon Suk Yeol
Education of Yoon Suk Yeol:
He used to attend Daegwang Elementary School then Joongrang Middle School and later joined Choongam Middle School after completing eighth grade. After graduation from there he attended Seoul National University reading Law.
He got exemption from military service in 1982 due to anisometropia; (an eye condition) which also barred him from having a driving license. This led him to pass the first part of the bar exam during his fourth year in university but failed the second part. He kept failing for nine years until he eventually passed it in 1991.
Career as a prosecutor:
In 1994 Yoon started his career as a prosecutor at Daegu District Prosecutor’s office. Right from early years of his career, he had shown strong inclination towards fighting corruption and injustice especially when high profile cases were involved.
His first notable case was in 1999 when they examined a former justice minister accused of bribery. These cases contributed to the formation of his image as a resolute and dutiful prosecutor. For more than twenty years he has been working in different positions within the jurisdictional office of South Korea.
When the South Korean National Intelligence Service corruption scandal broke out in 2013 Yoon came into limelight following a leading probe on it. Political pressure notwithstanding, Yoon proceeded with investigations thereby gaining repute as an apolitical civil servant.
His prosecutorial career had a momentous highlight between 2016 and 2017 when he contributed significantly to the investigation that led to Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in a corruption case. Yoon was acknowledged for his relentless approach towards the matter thereby enhancing his public image as an unattached prosecutor who strives for justice.
Prosecutor General:
In 2019 he became the South Korean Prosecutor General, thus enabling him to continue leading high-profile investigations. As a result, during his administration he directed cases against senior political figures up to and including persons associated with then-President Moon Jae-in. That pitted him against some of them.
Political Career:
The resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol as Attorney General in March 2021 saw him declare his political ambition. In a matter of months, he became the key figure in the leading South Korean conservative party, People Power Party (PPP), which nominated him to be its presidential candidate. Nevertheless, though he had not participated in any electoral contest prior to his nomination, voters were influenced by his image as a tough prosecutor and promise to eradicate corruption.
In the 2022 run for presidency, Lee Jae-myung was up against Yoon as ruling party candidate. He focused on restoring rule of law, economic reform and a more assertive stance towards North Korea and China.
President of the Republic of Korea:
Yoon Suk-yeol became the President of South Korea in March 2022 heralding a new political era for the country. As president he faced many domestic and international challenges.
He attempted to rejuvenate the economy damaged by COVID-19 pandemic and pursued independence of the judiciary system. He is an ardent proponent for closer alliance with the United States while taking different viewpoints on China and North Korea.
Since taking office some months ago, his administration has attempted to change social welfare systems thus improving living conditions among vulnerable groups within society especially South Koreans notable critics however contend that it is too oppressive particularly in areas such as labor policies.
Private life:
In 2012, he married Kim Keon-hee who runs Covana Contents company specializing in curating art exhibitions. Although they have no children together their union has been closely followed especially due to media attention that Yoon’s wife garnered during her spouse’s transition into politics.
He is the fourth Catholic president of South Korea. His Christian name is Ambrose.
Yoon Suk-yeol describes himself as a bookworm whose interests include Korean history especially constitutional issues among others. Throughout that period other leisure activities included golfing and hunting which he has retained.
Summary:
South Korean politician and lawyer. He belonged to conservative People’s Power Party, and also served as South Korean President from May 10,2022. He had formerly been the nation’s Attorney General, whose fight against corruption is well known. His presidency sought to reinforce international relations and national security, particularly through improved cooperation with the US and Japan.
Did you know that...
Her favorite dishes are doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew).
Yoon Suk Yeol's Career Positions:
- 13th President of the Republic of Korea
Since May 10, 2022 - Attorey General of the Republic of Korea
July 25, 2019 – March 4, 2021 - Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office
May 2017 – July 2019 - Head of the Special Investigation Division, Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office
December 2016 – May 2017 - Prosecutor, Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office
Various roles, 1994 – 2016 - Prosecutor, Daegu District Prosecutors' Office
Various roles, 1994 – 2002 - Legal Research and Training Institute, Ministry of Justice
1988 – 1994
Yoon Suk Yeol Profiles:
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