When President Yoon Suk-yeol addressed the nation on live television Tuesday night, few in South Korea could have anticipated the shock announcement that followed: martial law was being imposed. The weight of this decision reverberated through the country, stirring up memories many hoped to keep buried.
A Haunting Reminder of the Past
The mere mention of martial law sends chills down the spine of many South Koreans. It evokes images of a turbulent era—one characterized by military juntas, tanks in the streets, and helicopters hovering ominously over the National Assembly. The last time such a measure was enforced was in 1979, during a period of authoritarian rule that only ended in 1987 after years of civil resistance. For older generations, the events of this week dredged up painful memories of crackdowns on protests and restrictions on basic freedoms.
A Swift Backtrack
Yet, what was more surprising than the declaration of martial law was how quickly it unraveled. In just six hours, the decision was reversed. The National Assembly moved swiftly and unanimously, voting 190-0 to terminate martial law. By 4:30 a.m. local time, President Yoon rescinded the order, caving under immense public and political pressure.
What drove Yoon Suk-yeol to take such an extraordinary and polarizing step in the first place?
What Sparked the Crisis?
In his televised address, President Yoon claimed that “pro-North Korean and anti-state forces” were conspiring to destabilize South Korea. While no concrete evidence was provided to support these allegations, his rhetoric pointed at opposition parties that had been obstructing his administration’s policies.
The political gridlock had reached boiling point. Since April, the opposition-dominated parliament had blocked several of Yoon’s legislative proposals, and attempts to impeach some of his appointees were gaining momentum. Yet, even under such circumstances, the decision to impose martial law stunned political allies and adversaries alike.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party, labeled the decision “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the centrist-liberal Democratic Party went a step further, calling the move “illegal and unconstitutional.”
A Weak Presidency Under Fire
Critics argue that Yoon’s move reflects the desperation of a leader under siege. His approval ratings had plummeted to a dismal 20% amid corruption allegations, including one involving his wife and a luxury Dior bag gifted by a pastor. Calls for his impeachment had already been mounting before this incident, leaving Yoon in what analysts describe as an "incredibly weak position."
According to Myunghee Lee, an assistant professor of international relations at Michigan State University, Yoon’s frustrations stem from internal divisions within his party and resistance from the opposition-dominated National Assembly. However, the political gamble of declaring martial law is seen as a baffling misstep. “For many, it is regarded as a foolish move—he was in such a precarious position politically,” Lee noted.
Foreign Policy Amid Domestic Turmoil
Beyond his domestic struggles, Yoon’s foreign policy decisions have also stirred controversy. His administration has championed closer ties with the United States, a generally well-received strategy among South Koreans. However, Yoon’s attempts to mend relations with Japan—such as through intelligence-sharing agreements and joint military exercises—have been far less popular. The wounds of Japanese colonial rule still linger, making these efforts a sensitive topic.
On North Korea, Yoon has taken a hardline stance, abandoning the engagement policies of his predecessor, Moon Jae-in. Meanwhile, in dealings with China, Yoon has tread carefully, aiming for a pragmatic approach that avoids forcing South Korea to pick sides between Beijing and Washington.
The ripple effects of this week’s crisis could extend beyond South Korea’s borders. Alexander Lipke, Asia Programme Coordinator at the European Council on Foreign Relations, argues that the political turmoil will limit South Korea’s ability to engage in foreign policy issues, including its support for Ukraine. Additionally, strained South Korea-Japan relations could hinder trilateral cooperation with the U.S., potentially creating a vacuum of stability in East Asia that could embolden Russia, China, and North Korea.
What Comes Next for Yoon?
Impeachment now seems like an inevitable outcome. In the immediate aftermath of the martial law announcement, senior officials from Yoon’s administration, including Defense Minister Kim Hyun-jong, offered to resign en masse. This collective act of contrition underscores the gravity of the situation.
On Wednesday morning, six opposition parties submitted a motion to impeach the president. For the motion to succeed, it requires the support of two-thirds of the parliament and endorsement from at least six Constitutional Court judges. Speaker of the Assembly Woo Won-sik is expected to open a session for debate as early as Friday or Saturday, with a vote mandated within three days of the proposal.
If history is any guide, Yoon’s chances of political survival are slim. The last instance of martial law in South Korea, in 1979, occurred following the assassination of military dictator Park Chung-hee. In an ironic twist, Yoon himself once led a corruption case against Park’s daughter, Park Geun-hye, who was impeached in 2016 for abuse of power.
A Leadership in Crisis
Yoon’s presidency is now at a crossroads, with his future hanging by a thread. His decision to impose martial law, coupled with widespread discontent over his leadership, has created a political firestorm. Whether he can weather this storm or will become the latest South Korean leader to face impeachment remains to be seen.
For a nation still scarred by its authoritarian past, the events of this week serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy—and the enduring vigilance required to protect it.
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