South Korea’s political climate has been thrown into turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial short-lived martial law declaration last Tuesday. The fallout has escalated, with authorities imposing a travel ban on Yoon as he faces intense scrutiny and nationwide protests.
The crisis deepened over the weekend when Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment motion in parliament. Members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, effectively blocking it. The PPP justified their decision by highlighting Yoon’s agreement to shorten his term and refrain from involvement in domestic and foreign affairs.
However, the opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a parliamentary majority, has vehemently opposed the arrangement. Floor leader Park Chan-dae branded it “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.” DP lawmakers argue that such decisions undermine democratic norms and constitutional processes.
Protests and Arrests
Public outrage has been palpable since Yoon’s martial law declaration, with tens of thousands protesting in major cities, demanding his resignation or impeachment. The president’s brief invocation of martial law, which was lifted just hours after its implementation, has left a lasting mark on the political landscape.
Key figures associated with the martial law order are also facing repercussions. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly recommended the move to Yoon, was arrested on Sunday. Kim had resigned earlier in the week, apologizing and taking full responsibility for his role. Travel bans have also been imposed on several top military officials, including Lee Yeo, Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su.
Additionally, mass resignations have swept through the administration. Senior aides from Yoon’s office, including his chief of staff, stepped down in the wake of the martial law debacle. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min also resigned on Sunday, citing his failure to serve both the public and the president effectively.
Opposition Denounces PPP Leadership
On Sunday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume responsibility for managing government affairs during Yoon’s transition period. The proposal effectively sidelined Yoon, who pledged to avoid state affairs until his resignation.
“The president will not be involved in any state affairs, including diplomacy, before his exit,” Han said.
The Democratic Party, however, has rejected this arrangement. Floor leader Park Chan-dae criticized the proposal as unconstitutional, arguing that neither the PPP leader nor the prime minister has the authority to co-opt presidential powers.
“The prime minister and the ruling party’s announcement to jointly exercise the powers of the president, which no one has given them, is clearly unconstitutional,” said DP Representative Kim Min-seok.
Experts have also raised concerns about the arrangement’s legality. Political science professor Shin Yul of Myongji University warned that the president retains command of the armed forces and could resume authority at any time. “No one will be able to stop him if Yoon insists,” Shin cautioned.
A Divided Nation
The opposition has vowed to continue pursuing Yoon’s impeachment. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung promised demonstrators that the government would be “returned to normal by Christmas.” He urged Yoon to resign immediately, accusing him of destroying South Korea’s economy and international reputation.
Yoon, in his first public appearance since the martial law order, issued an apology on Saturday, expressing regret for the anxiety caused. However, his pledge not to impose martial law again has done little to quell calls for his resignation.
As the political crisis unfolds, South Korea faces significant uncertainty. The coming weeks will test the country’s democratic institutions and political resilience, with both domestic stability and international confidence hanging in the balance.
