President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, the decision, which briefly placed the military in charge of civil governance, was widely perceived as a desperate political maneuver to suppress domestic opposition amid plummeting approval ratings and mounting scandals.
The declaration, announced in a televised address, marked the first time in nearly five decades that martial law was imposed in South Korea. Yoon’s government claimed it was a necessary step to curb “anti-state forces wreaking havoc.” Yet, the move appeared to stem more from internal political turmoil than external threats.
A Democracy Under Siege
Yoon’s announcement plunged South Korea into a six-hour period of uncertainty, with helmeted troops and armed police stationed at the National Assembly. Media footage showed military personnel storming the parliament building, while helicopters landed on its roof. Protesters and opposition lawmakers rushed to the scene, defying martial law orders and calling for the measure to be overturned.
The military’s decree banned protests, suspended political activities, and imposed restrictions on media, but it faced immediate resistance. Thousands of citizens converged on the National Assembly, chanting, “No martial law!” and “Strike down dictatorship.” Opposition lawmakers also mobilized quickly, climbing fences and braving barricades to convene an emergency vote.
At 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, with 190 members present, parliament voted to invalidate Yoon’s declaration. Under South Korean law, martial law must be lifted if a parliamentary majority demands it. The swift political and public backlash forced Yoon to rescind the order.
Yoon’s Decline in Popularity
Since taking office in May 2022 as a hardline conservative, Yoon has struggled to maintain political momentum. His administration became a lame duck in April after the liberal Democratic Party secured a landslide victory in the general election. Unable to pass major bills, Yoon’s government has been relegated to vetoing opposition-led initiatives.
Corruption scandals have further eroded public trust. Yoon faced criticism for failing to investigate allegations involving the First Lady, including her acceptance of luxury gifts and potential stock manipulation. Just last month, Yoon issued a public apology but refused to authorize a broader investigation, exacerbating calls for accountability.
This week, tensions escalated as the opposition proposed slashing a key government budget and moved to impeach several cabinet members. With his administration under siege, Yoon resorted to the drastic measure of declaring martial law—a decision many viewed as an overreach.
Impact on South Korea’s Democracy
Yoon’s declaration has left lasting damage to South Korea’s democratic image. The nation, which transitioned to parliamentary democracy in 1987, has prided itself on its stability and rule of law. The last instance of martial law occurred in 1979 during the authoritarian regime of Park Chung-hee.
Observers argue that Yoon’s actions have jeopardized the country’s economy and international standing. “Yoon’s declaration of martial law appeared to be both legal overreach and a political miscalculation,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. “It unnecessarily risks South Korea’s economy and security.”
What Lies Ahead?
Yoon’s martial law gambit has emboldened his critics, with calls for his impeachment growing louder. Protesters outside the National Assembly chanted for his arrest, highlighting the public’s discontent.
While Yoon has withdrawn the order, his political future remains uncertain. This episode has not only deepened South Korea’s domestic divide but also raised questions about the stability of its democracy. As one parliamentary leader declared, “We will protect democracy together with the people.”
South Korea’s resilience will likely endure, but Yoon’s dramatic misstep has set a dangerous precedent that may take years to undo.
