South Korea is facing a severe political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, a move that shocked the nation and ignited mass protests. Though the National Assembly swiftly voted down the decree, the underlying tensions that led to this decision are far from resolved.
President Yoon's actions have deepened political divides, and even his promise to reverse the declaration may not be enough to heal the rift. The following is an analysis of the situation, the motivations behind Yoon’s drastic measure, and what might lie ahead for South Korea.
The Shocking Declaration of Martial Law: What Sparked It?
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s televised declaration of martial law left South Koreans — as well as the global community — stunned. During his announcement, Yoon accused the opposition of an "insurgency" aimed at undermining democracy, a reference to the deadlock between his administration and the parliament, which has hindered his policy agenda.
The National Assembly, dominated by the opposition Democratic Party, promptly rejected Yoon's declaration, calling it unconstitutional. "There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country," said Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader. He added that Yoon had betrayed the people with this "illegal declaration."
The declaration seemed to be a culmination of Yoon’s growing frustrations. His approval ratings have dropped below 20%, and he has faced persistent political obstacles, including an ethics investigation involving his wife over an allegedly improper gift. Experts suggest that his dwindling popularity and political gridlock may have influenced his controversial decision to impose martial law.
Yoon’s broad accusations that North Korean elements were involved in the crisis have further inflamed tensions. However, no evidence has surfaced to support these claims, suggesting that Yoon may have been trying to leverage fears about North Korea to justify his drastic actions.
Martial Law in South Korea: What Does It Entail?
Martial law in South Korea implies military control over certain aspects of civilian life. Under this decree, the government could exert power over the media and demand compliance from striking workers. President Yoon even ordered medical personnel, who have been striking for most of the year, back to work within 48 hours of his announcement.
The declaration also mandated that political activity cease, yet this was largely ignored. Protests erupted immediately, and political activity persisted, with 190 members of the 300-member National Assembly scaling fences and surrounding the parliamentary building to vote down the decree.
This atmosphere of defiance indicated that Yoon's declaration was not only unpopular but largely ineffective. Armed guards surrounded the Assembly, but their presence did little to deter lawmakers from striking down the martial law decree.
Public and Political Reactions: Backlash Against Yoon
Yoon's martial law declaration received widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. In South Korea, citizens poured into the streets, clashing with security forces in protest. Political leaders, including those from Yoon’s own party, also criticized his move as a gross overreach of power.
"It’s an illegal, unconstitutional declaration of martial law that does not meet the requirements," said Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. "South Korea is a democratic country. We will protect democracy alongside our citizens."
Internationally, the U.S. — South Korea's longtime ally — expressed concern. "We have every hope and expectation that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
What Happens Next? The Future of South Korean Politics
Following the National Assembly's decision, Yoon agreed to lift the martial law declaration, as he is constitutionally required to do. The cabinet moved to nullify the order early Wednesday, and protesters began to disperse.
Yet, political analysts warn that this isn’t the end of the crisis. "The decision [to declare martial law] appears to be an attempt to assert authority in a climate where his favorability has been declining, but this is basically political suicide as it risks being seen as an overreach of power and might lead to him facing impeachment," said Gi-Wook Shin, director of the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University.
Indeed, an opposition lawmaker has already called for Yoon's impeachment, and political polarization is likely to continue to disrupt South Korea’s governance. "Neither side is particularly popular; the public trust in both the conservatives and the progressives is low," said Celeste Arrington, director of the George Washington Institute for Korean Studies. "There’s deep frustration with the way democratic institutions are functioning, in particular the political parties and the National Assembly."
President Yoon’s shocking declaration of martial law — and its swift rejection — has deepened the existing divides within South Korea's political landscape. Even as Yoon moves to lift the declaration, the public’s dissatisfaction with politics and democratic institutions remains.
The declaration, now widely seen as an overreach of power, has only exacerbated Yoon's already sinking popularity. Whether Yoon can survive politically in the aftermath of this crisis remains to be seen, but it is evident that the political turbulence in South Korea is far from over.
With continued polarization and widespread disillusionment, South Korea's democratic institutions face significant challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country can navigate through these obstacles and restore stability, or if deeper political conflict will ensue.