From exile and assassination to imprisonment.

(CLO) President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was recently arrested, has become the latest name on a long list of South Korean leaders to face major setbacks in their political careers.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday, following weeks of impeachment proceedings and charges related to declaring martial law last month.

This event has exacerbated recent political instability in South Korea. While these developments are historic, they represent just one new chapter in the turbulent history of the country's presidents.

Since World War II, most South Korean presidents have faced serious accusations, not only against themselves but also against members of their families. Many have experienced impeachment, prosecution, imprisonment, and even assassination attempts. Only a handful of presidents, such as former President Moon Jae-in, left office peacefully .

Below is a list of South Korean presidents who have experienced major upheavals in the past:

President Syngman Rhee lives in exile in Hawaii.

Syngman Rhee, South Korea's first president, took office in 1948 and was impeached in 1960 following allegations of electoral fraud and a collapse in his popularity.

The South Korean presidents, from exile and assassination to execution, have faced various consequences. — Premier Lee Seung-man (right) and U.S. General Douglas MacArthur at the inauguration ceremony of the former South Korean government . Photo: CC/Wiki

Despite being praised for leading the country during the Korean War and appointing the first woman to the cabinet, he was still criticized by the opposition. After resigning, he lived in exile in Hawaii until his death in 1965.

President Park Chung-hee was assassinated.

Former President Park Chung-hee came to power through a coup in 1961, taking advantage of the chaos following the resignation of Syngman Rhee. He ruled until 1979, when he was assassinated by a close advisor.

The South Korean presidents, from exile and assassination attempts to executions, have faced various punishments. — State mourning for Park Chung-hee. Photo: CC/KDF

Former President Park worked the "Miracle on the Han River," transforming South Korea from a post-war impoverished nation into a major economy through policies supporting corporations like Samsung and Hyundai, encouraging exports, and developing infrastructure.

Park was assassinated by the head of the KCIA, the intelligence agency he himself founded. Afterward, he remained controversial, receiving both praise and criticism. Some viewed him as a symbol of strong leadership, despite the somewhat authoritarian measures he implemented.

Two consecutive presidents were imprisoned.

Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, two former army generals, seized power through a 1979 coup following the assassination of Park Chung-hee, leading to a bloody uprising in Gwangju in 1980 that left hundreds dead. Chun became president in 1981, and Roh succeeded him after the 1987 election.

After leaving office, both were accused of rebellion, corruption, bribery, and human rights violations. Chun received the death penalty and Roh received a 22.5-year prison sentence in 1996. However, Kim Dae-jung pardoned both after his election as president in 1997.

President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide after being investigated for bribery.

Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide in May 2009 while under investigation for bribery, despite having left the Blue House and living a quiet life in his hometown.

Before becoming president, Roh was a renowned human rights lawyer who defended students persecuted by the dictatorship of the 1980s. After his death, he was regarded as a symbol of justice and political balance, with his life depicted in the film "The Attorney" (2013).

President Park Geun-hye was convicted of corruption.

Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president and daughter of Park Chung-hee, was impeached in 2016 and arrested in 2017 on charges of corruption and abuse of power. Large-scale protests, such as the "Candlelight Movement," took place before her removal from office.