2. The Unique Balance Between the Presidency and the National Assembly
The Strength of Presidential Power
One of the most striking features of Korean politics is the strength of presidential power. Like the United States, Korea has a presidential system. Yet in practice, the Korean president often wields even greater authority. The president is both the head of state and the head of government, while also serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This means that in areas such as security, foreign policy, and defense, the president’s influence is enormous.
The president also appoints the prime minister and cabinet ministers, and holds significant control over the appointment of high-ranking officials. In effect, the president sets the direction of national policy. This is why every change in administration brings such visible shifts in society—from economic strategy to foreign relations.
Such concentrated authority can provide political stability. Strong leadership allows for quick decisions and effective crisis management. But when presidential power becomes too dominant, the system risks losing its checks and balances. This tension is a constant feature of Korean politics.
The National Assembly’s Role in Checks and Balances
Where does the counterweight to presidential authority come from? The answer is the National Assembly. Korea’s legislature is unicameral, consisting of 300 members who are directly elected by the people.
The Assembly’s primary functions are lawmaking and budget approval. No matter how powerful a president may be, policies cannot move forward without the Assembly’s consent on laws and budgets. For instance, even ambitious welfare plans cannot succeed unless the necessary funding passes through the legislature.
The Assembly also has the power to hold the executive accountable. Through hearings, investigations, and inquiries, it can scrutinize government actions. Most dramatically, it can impeach high-ranking officials—including the president. This has happened several times in modern Korean history: President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004, President Park Geun-hye in 2016, and most recently, President Yoon Suk-yeol in 2024–2025 after his controversial martial law declaration. Each case illustrates that the Assembly is not merely a lawmaking body but a vital guardian of Korea’s constitutional order.
Of course, the National Assembly is not without flaws. Partisan conflict often slows legislation, and political standoffs sometimes paralyze governance. Yet its very presence ensures that presidential power is not absolute, maintaining a critical balance in the system.
3. Korea’s Distinctive Power Balance
The relationship between the presidency and the Assembly is one of constant tension and negotiation. The president leads national governance, but the Assembly’s approval is essential for most initiatives.
When the president’s party controls a majority in the Assembly, policies move quickly. Conversely, when the opposition dominates—a situation often referred to as a “divided government”—the president struggles to push through major reforms. This recurring pattern has shaped much of Korea’s modern political history. In such cases, presidents often appeal directly to public opinion or seek negotiations with opposition parties to advance their agenda.
This structure has both strengths and weaknesses. On the one hand, it prevents authoritarian abuse of power and ensures broader representation in decision-making. On the other hand, prolonged political gridlock can stall important reforms. Ultimately, Korea’s democracy is characterized by a dynamic process of balancing strong presidential authority with strong legislative oversight.
4. Democratic Development Through Institutional Balance
One reason Korean democracy took root so rapidly is precisely this balance between presidential power and legislative oversight. Strong presidential leadership enabled decisive action and national development, while the National Assembly worked to keep that power in check and safeguard democratic principles.
Over the decades since democratization, Korea has refined its system of checks and balances. Mechanisms such as impeachment, confirmation hearings, and legislative investigations have become firmly established. These tools reflect the evolution of Korea’s democracy, shaped by repeated cycles of conflict and compromise between the president and the Assembly.
From an outsider’s perspective, Korea’s system is distinctive. Like the U.S., the president serves as both national symbol and executive leader. Yet Korea’s legislature actively intervenes to maintain equilibrium. This constant tension may sometimes look chaotic, but it also demonstrates the vitality and dynamism of Korean democracy.
Conclusion
Korea’s political system is built on a unique balance between a powerful presidency and a strong legislature. The president, elected directly by the people, sets the national agenda. The Assembly, also representing the people, acts as a counterweight to ensure accountability. Sometimes they clash, sometimes they cooperate, but together they shape the ongoing evolution of Korean democracy.
For anyone seeking to understand Korea, grasping this balance is essential. It is not just a matter of institutional design but a living stage where democracy unfolds every day.