South Korea's Democratic Crisis: Yoon Declared Martial Law

Political Turmoil and Democratic Challenge

• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law for the first time in nearly 50 years, shocking the nation
• The declaration came amid rising tensions between the president and opposition parties
• Yoon accused opposition parties of undermining the government and sympathizing with North Korea
• The move was quickly invalidated by parliament, with lawmakers from even his own party opposing the action
• This event is considered the biggest challenge to South Korea's democracy in decades
• The president's popularity had been declining due to ongoing corruption scandals

Martial Law:

• The country's constitution is suspended under martial law, and military rule takes the place of civilian governance.
• Martial law, sometimes known as a "emergency," suspends the regular administration of justice, civil authority, existing laws, and citizens' fundamental rights.

Dramatic Confrontation and Public Response

• Soldiers attempted to enter the parliament building, met with resistance from parliamentary aides
• Thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament, demanding withdrawal of martial law
• The military temporarily took control, issuing decrees to ban protests and control media
• Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung mobilized MPs to converge and vote down the martial law declaration
• By early morning on December 4, 2024, parliament passed a resolution against the martial law
• Faced with public anger and political pressure, Yoon revoked the martial law within six hours

International Implications and Fallout

• The incident drew significant international attention and criticism
• United States postponed critical military meetings and nuclear consultative group discussions
• Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson cancelled a scheduled summit with Yoon
• Japanese lawmakers cancelled a planned visit to Seoul
• Experts view this as potentially more damaging to South Korea's democratic reputation than previous political crises
• The U.S. military, with 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, is closely monitoring the situation
• Concerns raised about Yoon's international reputation as a democratic leader

Historical Context:

• South Korea has experienced martial law 16 times previously, with the last instance in 1979
• Since establishing its current democratic system in 1987, this was the first martial law declaration
• The country emerged from military rule to become a vibrant democratic nation

Immediate Consequences and Impeachment:

• South Korean won fell sharply against the U.S. dollar
• Central bank prepared to intervene to stabilize the market
• Emergency economic meeting convened by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok

Potential Impeachment:

• The Democratic Party has initiated impeachment proceedings against Yoon
• Impeachment requires support from over two-thirds of the National Assembly
• If approved, a Constitutional Court trial would determine the president's fate