List of 6 Presidents Who Have Been Impeached, Including One from Indonesia and the Latest Yoon Suk Yeol from South Korea

Kapanlagi.com - The process of impeaching a president is a legal and political step that is full of challenges. In global history, many national leaders have had to face this fate due to various violations they committed during their term. Impeachment is not just about tarnishing an individual's reputation, but it can also shake the political and economic stability of a country.

Recently, the world was shocked by news regarding the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The leader, who once created controversy with his military emergency policies, is now embroiled in serious allegations, including accusations of rebellion. This event adds to the long list of world leaders who have had to end their careers sooner than planned.

From Indonesia to the United States, the stories of impeachment always attract public attention. In this article, we will explore six presidents who have faced impeachment, uncovering the reasons behind those decisions, as well as their impacts on their respective countries.

1. The Impeachment of Gus Dur in Indonesia

Abdurrahman Wahid, affectionately known as Gus Dur, made his mark in history as the fourth President of Indonesia in 1999, thanks to the support of the majority of MPR members after the reformation that overthrew the New Order.

However, his leadership journey was not always smooth; in 2001, he became embroiled in a swirl of corruption allegations and misuse of foundation funds, which he denied, triggering impeachment proceedings by members of parliament.

The Special Session of the MPR decided to remove Gus Dur from the presidency on July 23, 2001, a decision that sparked intense debate across Indonesia, with many believing that the impeachment was more of a political maneuver than a clear legal fact.

This incident became a significant point in the political history of the nation, prompting discussions about integrity and power in the homeland.

2. Donald Trump, the US President Who Was Impeached Twice

Donald Trump made history as the only president of the United States to be impeached twice, a record that will not be forgotten.

His first impeachment in 2019 shook the political world when he was accused of abusing power through a controversial conversation with the President of Ukraine, in which he allegedly requested an investigation into his political rival.

Not long after that, in early 2021, Trump found himself embroiled in a second impeachment following the riots that shook the Capitol, where he was accused of inciting the mob to disrupt the presidential election certification process.

Although both impeachments resulted in acquittals in the Senate, the impact of these cases created deep polarization, further highlighting the divide between the Republican and Democratic parties in the land of Uncle Sam.

3. Yoon Suk Yeol and the Fall of Democracy in South Korea

Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea who was forced to face impeachment in December 2024, became embroiled in controversy after declaring a military emergency deemed a serious threat to democracy. This drastic move sparked a wave of protests that shook the entire nation, creating inevitable tensions.

Finally, in January 2025, after hiding for weeks, Yoon surrendered to authorities, marking a monumental new chapter in South Korea's history—a country known for its strong commitment to enforcing the law against leaders who violate norms.

4. The Park Geun Hye Corruption Scandal

Park Geun Hye, the first female president of South Korea, made her mark in history with a shocking impeachment in 2017. Entangled in a corruption scandal involving her friend, Choi Soon-sil, Park became the center of public outrage that triggered massive demonstrations across the country.

The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment decision, ending her presidency and creating a wave of change in the political landscape of South Korea.

This case not only destroyed her reputation but also served as a bitter reflection on how abuse of power can undermine public trust in the government. Ultimately, Park was sentenced to prison, closing the chapter of her controversial and dramatic political career.

5. Other Impeachments That Changed History

5. Alberto Fujimori

Alberto Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, was impeached after a massive bribery scandal involving his intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, was uncovered, and later imprisoned for crimes against humanity related to a massacre by army death squads that killed 25 people during an anti-terrorism operation.

6. Carlos Andres Perez

The Venezuelan president who ruled from 1974-1979 and 1989-1993 was impeached in 1993 for misusing public funds by transferring state money to personal accounts in New York, which resulted in two years of house arrest.

This impeachment case reflects the importance of accountability in government. Although the process often sparks debate, impeachment is a crucial tool for maintaining democracy.

6. What is impeachment?

Impeachment is a dramatic political process in which a high official, such as a president, is faced with serious charges for violations committed during their term in office.

7. What are common causes of presidential impeachment?

Various factors trigger this issue, ranging from rampant corruption practices, abuse of power by certain parties, to constitutional violations that threaten the rule of law.

8. What are the impacts of impeachment on the country?

Impeachment can create political and economic instability, but it also serves as a mechanism to ensure the accountability of officials.

(kpl/rmt)