STOCKHOLM - A recent report by the Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem) at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has downgraded South Korea's democracy from "liberal democracy" to "electoral democracy," raising concerns about the nation's democratic trajectory.

The "Democracy Report 2025" reveals a global trend of democratic backsliding, with South Korea now classified as an "electoral democracy," indicating free and fair elections but insufficient checks on the executive branch and equality before the law.

"South Korea is among the countries where autocratization is ongoing," the report stated, highlighting a qualitative decline in the nation's democratic health. The report also pointed to the concerning trend of dictators favoring media censorship and weakening civil society.

Globally, the report paints a grim picture, with the number of autocratic countries surpassing democratic ones for the first time in 22 years. Denmark leads the world in liberal democracy, while the United States and Japan rank 24th and 27th, respectively.

The report's introduction featured a striking image of a large-scale impeachment rally held in Seoul last year, underscoring the political tensions within South Korea.

This assessment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democracies worldwide, including South Korea. The findings call for renewed efforts to safeguard democratic institutions and values.

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