South Korea faces a deepening political crisis as President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise martial law declaration sparks outrage, followed by a swift reversal amid massive protests.
At a Glance
- President Yoon declared and then quickly rescinded martial law due to public protests.
- The National Assembly pushed back against the measure, calling it unconstitutional.
- Protests continued, urging the president’s resignation and raising concerns about democratic erosion.
- Dissent within Yoon’s party and low public approval fueled the turmoil.
Martial Law Declaration Sparks Outcry
President Yoon Suk Yeol announced an emergency martial law late Tuesday, citing threats to South Korea’s democracy. The declaration gave military control over media and restricted political activities, harkening back to South Korea’s authoritarian past. However, intense public backlash and vigorous opposition from lawmakers led Yoon to reverse his decision within hours.
The sudden imposition was seen as an overextension of executive power. Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the move. “We cannot let the military rule this country. President Yoon Seok Yeol has betrayed the people,” according to Mr. Lee, a prime opposition figure.
National Assembly’s Response and Public Reaction
The National Assembly immediately convened, passing a resolution to end martial law, forcing Yoon to retract the measure. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Seoul, demanding the president’s arrest and removal from office. Public anger was fueled by concerns that Yoon’s declaration threatened the country’s democratic values.
“It’s an illegal, unconstitutional declaration of martial law that does not meet the requirements,” according to Han Dong-hoon, former Justice Leader. He followed with “South Korea is a democratic country. We will protect democracy alongside our citizens.”
Calls for Yoon’s resignation gained momentum, underscoring the existing political divisions. Amidst this turmoil, Yoon accused the opposition of trying to sabotage his governance and “overthrow the free democracy,” President Yoon said. His support heavily relies on right-wing and elderly South Koreans.
Underlying Challenges and National Sentiment
Yoon’s administration grapples with low approval ratings, reported at under 20%, amid accusations of corruption involving his wife and a stalled political agenda. The National Assembly, dominated by opposition, has continuously challenged his initiatives. His opponents frame recent political events as a referendum on his leadership.
“Yoon certainly is unpopular and frustrated by an inability to do politics,” as reported by Celeste Arrington, director of the George Washington Institute for Korean Studies. Her comment highlights the embattled president’s struggle to govern effectively.
Beyond political hurdles, Yoon’s presidency contends with societal issues, including a housing crisis and citizen dissatisfaction with the main political parties. These challenges threaten to erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Despite political promises, the nation remains on edge with a mistrust in leadership prevalent among citizens. The United States was unaware of the martial law declaration prior to its announcement, and emphasized the importance of resolving the crisis peacefully.
