Understanding South Korea’s Political Crisis: A Talk with Dr. Wonhyuk Cho

Join the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Asia Forum for a discussion with Dr. Wonhyuk Cho, Senior Lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, on the political crisis in South Korea.

In December 2024, South Korea was thrust into political upheaval when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing threats from an opposition-controlled parliament. This unprecedented move led to his impeachment on charges of rebellion, with a trial reaching the Constitutional Court. The crisis has deeply polarised the nation, affecting its political stability, economic outlook and international relations. Dr. Cho will discuss the origins of this crisis, the constitutional challenges it presents and the broader implications for South Korea’s democracy. 

This will be an evening of insightful discussion and networking.

Event Details:
Date/Time: Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Venue: Asia New Zealand Foundation Office, Level 16, Fujitsu Tower, 141 The Terrace, Wellington

This is an open event, so feel free to bring a friend. Please RSVP to help with event planning.

About Dr Wonhyuk Cho

Wonhyuk Cho is a Senior Lecturer of Public Management and PhD Programme Director at Victoria University's School of Government. Wonhyuk’s research interests lie in the areas of HRM, digital government, performance management, law enforcement organizations, and Asian public policy.Wonhyuk’s research articles have appeared in leading international journals in the field, such as JPART, PAR, and GIQ, and he has been involved in research projects funded by diverse public and non-profit institutions in the US, New Zealand, and South Korea. He is an editorial board member for Public Administration, the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, and the Korean Journal of Public Administration, and review editor of the International Review of Public Administration.

Wonhyuk arrived at the School of Government in 2016. He supervises PhD students and teaches across the suite of undergraduate and graduate programs. Prior to his appointment at the Victoria University of Wellington, Wonhyuk has held academic roles with the University of Kansas, the Centre for Government Competitiveness, the Korean Institute of Public Affairs, and the Seoul National University.