Why South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol Declared Martial Law: A Nation in Turmoil
South Korea is grappling with its first martial law in over 50 years, declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol amidst escalating political tensions. The late-night announcement sparked protests, with citizens and lawmakers denouncing the move as unconstitutional.
The Immediate Response to Martial Law
The declaration, aired at 23:00 local time, stunned the nation. Protesters swiftly gathered at the National Assembly, chanting, “No martial law!” Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called on lawmakers to counter the decision, while police barricaded parliament, heightening the standoff.
External Context:
Martial law, a rare occurrence in modern democracies, grants military authority over civil governance in emergencies. The last instance in South Korea was during a coup in 1979, marking this as a historic and contentious decision.
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Political Context Behind the Declaration
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Struggles
Since losing parliamentary control in April, President Yoon has faced mounting opposition. His inability to pass government bills, coupled with corruption scandals, has eroded public trust.
Opposition parties recently proposed slashing his government’s budget and moved to impeach key officials. Yoon’s declaration of martial law, citing threats from “anti-state forces,” is widely seen as an attempt to regain authority.
Tensions in Yoon’s Own Party
Even within Yoon’s People Power Party, discord is evident. Party leader Han Dong-hoon called the move “wrong” and vowed to oppose martial law, signaling deep internal divisions.
What’s Next for South Korea?
The political opposition has called for mass protests, a hallmark of South Korea’s democracy. Under South Korean law, parliament can overturn martial law through a majority vote, but police barricades are hindering lawmakers’ access.
The coming days are critical as protests grow and lawmakers push back against Yoon’s unprecedented move.
