The impeachment of President Roh Moo-hyun marked a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political landscape, representing a historic first in the nation’s democratic journey. The National Assembly took this unprecedented action on March 12, 2004, following a turbulent period in Roh's administration. Accusations against him included corruption, abuse of power, and violations of election law. The vote came after intense political maneuvering and rising dissatisfaction among opposition parties and the general populace regarding his governance and policy implementations. Roh’s critics claimed that he had overstepped his presidential authority and failed to uphold ethical standards expected of public officials.

The National Assembly’s vote was characterized by a significant division along partisan lines, with opposition parties advocating for his removal and many supporters rallying behind Roh. Following the impeachment vote, Roh's supporters took to the streets in a series of protests emphasizing popular will and democratic processes. These events ignited debates about the nature of political accountability and the role of public sentiment in governance. Roh remained in office during the impeachment trial, where he continued to push back against the allegations presented to the Constitutional Court.

Ultimately, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of Roh, reinstating him as president later that year. This series of events led to a renewed examination of South Korea’s political institutions and questionings of how democracy functions within the framework of checks and balances. Roh’s presidency, initially marked by promise, ended up being characterized by this historic impeachment process, illustrating the complexities of South Korean politics and the evolving relationship between leaders and their constituencies.