South Korea Faces Crisis as President Yoon Declares Martial Law
Democracy in Question Amid Yoon's Authoritarian Move
By Fayza Nawra Avanitanya, Muthia Noor Safitri, Kenzie Aryasatya, Imam Fakhri Prayogo Harianto
December 6, 2024 at 16:30 GMT+7
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law late Tuesday sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking widespread condemnation and public protests. Justifying the move by citing the threat of “anti-state forces,” Yoon temporarily handed control to the military, resulting in troops and helicopters descending on the National Assembly. Dramatic scenes unfolded as masked soldiers entered the parliament, clashing with resistant staff.
Responding to opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s call, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside, chanting and protesting against the declaration. Despite the heavy military presence, tensions remained largely peaceful as lawmakers defied barricades to convene an emergency session. By early Wednesday, the parliament overwhelmingly voted to nullify the declaration, declaring it unconstitutional. The swift response highlighted the widening rift between Yoon’s administration and the opposition-controlled legislature, marking one of the most contentious episodes in South Korea’s modern democratic history.
South Korea President, Yook Suk Yeol | Source: Reuters
Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to impose martial law underscores the escalating political challenges and plummeting approval ratings that have defined his presidency. Since April, when the opposition Democratic Party achieved a sweeping parliamentary majority, Yoon’s administration has been largely paralyzed, unable to advance its legislative agenda. Adding to the turmoil, a series of scandals has further fueled public dissatisfaction, including allegations that the First Lady accepted luxury gifts and engaged in stock manipulation.
These controversies have driven Yoon’s approval ratings to a record low of just 17%. Frustrated by impeachment attempts and opposition-led budget cuts, Yoon accused his critics of harboring pro-North Korea sentiments, aiming to rally nationalist support. However, critics contend that his martial law declaration was a desperate political gamble that backfired, deepening public mistrust and amplifying demands for his accountability.
Soldiers try to enter Korea National Assembly Building | Source: Jung Yeon-je / AFP
The fallout from Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration has set the stage for a potential impeachment vote, with parliament expected to decide by Saturday. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the motion, after which the Constitutional Court would conduct a trial to determine Yoon’s fate. If six of the nine justices uphold the impeachment, he will be removed from office, marking only the third such instance in South Korea’s history. This crisis threatens to further strain the nation’s democratic institutions.
Experts warn that Yoon’s actions have already inflicted significant reputational damage on South Korea, a nation that has long sought to distance itself from its authoritarian past. Political analyst Leif-Eric Easley called the situation “a litmus test” for the resilience of South Korean democracy. As citizens and lawmakers grapple with the aftermath, the incident highlights the fragility of democratic governance, even in societies widely regarded as stable.
Sources:
CNBC
NBC
Reuters
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