South Korea has plunged into political chaos after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law sparked widespread protests, a rushed parliamentary vote, and impeachment proceedings. Yoon’s move, which he justified as necessary to counter “North Korea’s communist forces,” was widely seen as a political ploy. Hours after imposing martial law, he was forced to reverse the decision amid mounting backlash.
Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Seoul on Wednesday, holding candlelit rallies and demanding Yoon’s resignation. Signs carried by demonstrators denounced the president’s authoritarian move, while lawmakers convened an emergency session to block the decree, labelling it an attack on South Korea’s democracy.
Martial law, last seen in South Korea during the repressive military regime of the late 1970s, is a traumatic memory for many in the country. Yoon’s declaration immediately evoked fears of authoritarianism, as newsreaders on television reportedly appeared visibly shaken.
In parliament, opposition lawmakers stormed the National Assembly to vote against the order. Yoon’s political maneuver, which he described as a way to “save the country from dark forces,” has backfired spectacularly, with impeachment proceedings already underway.
South Korea’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who played a critical role in advising Yoon on martial law, has offered to resign. He now faces a potential impeachment motion himself.
Since taking office in 2022 by a razor-thin margin, Yoon has been involved in several controversies, from the government’s handling of a deadly Halloween crowd crush to scandals involving his wife. His approval ratings have plummeted to below 20%, and his party’s loss in April’s parliamentary elections left him politically vulnerable.
Yoon’s Tuesday night address offered a glimpse into his frustrations with the opposition-controlled parliament, which he referred to as a “monster that destroys the liberal democratic system.” Critics argue that his comments and actions were a calculated appeal to right-wing conservatives.
His attempt to invoke martial law, however, misjudged the nation’s resolve to protect its democratic values. The swift response from protesters and lawmakers alike underscores South Korea’s determination to reject authoritarianism.
Yoon’s future remains uncertain as calls for his resignation grow louder. Members of his own People Power Party are reportedly considering expelling him, a move that could signal the end of his presidency.
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