In an unexpected move late Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law but reversed his decision within hours. Here’s an overview of the situation and its implications.
The Events of Tuesday Night
In an unscheduled national address around 11 p.m. local time, President Yoon announced martial law, citing opposition actions to impeach senior prosecutors and reject the proposed government budget. He accused the Democratic Party, the opposition group holding a parliamentary majority, of aligning with North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities.
The declaration temporarily transferred authority to the military, deploying troops to the National Assembly and stationing helicopters on its roof. However, lawmakers swiftly bypassed barricades and convened an emergency late-night session, during which 190 of the 300 National Assembly members voted unanimously to nullify Yoon’s decree.
By 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, President Yoon rescinded the order and withdrew the deployed forces, though he reaffirmed his rationale for issuing the martial law declaration.
Martial law grants military authorities temporary control during emergencies, as outlined in South Korea’s constitution. It enables restrictions on freedoms such as speech, assembly, and publication. Under the invoked order, media outlets were placed under military oversight, and striking medical professionals were mandated to return to work within 48 hours.
Professor Youngshik Bong of Yonsei University noted that martial law should only be invoked under severe conditions, such as wartime. “This was not a situation that warranted such an extreme measure,” he explained.
Reasons Behind Yoon’s Declaration
President Yoon has been grappling with dwindling public support, with his approval rating plummeting to 25%. His tenure has faced ongoing opposition from a parliament controlled by rival parties, along with unresolved scandals involving his administration and family members.
In his address, Yoon highlighted domestic political conflicts rather than external threats, lamenting the numerous impeachment motions against his officials since he assumed office in May 2022.
Opposition lawmakers announced plans to initiate impeachment proceedings against Yoon, which could materialize within 72 hours. A successful impeachment requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and must be upheld by six of the nine judges in the Constitutional Court.
Although the Democratic Party and its allies hold 192 seats—eight short of the required 200—some members of Yoon’s People Power Party have also criticized his martial law decision, raising the possibility of bipartisan support for impeachment.
If impeached and removed, South Korea’s prime minister would serve as acting president until a new election is held within 60 days.
Domestic and International Reactions
Protests erupted across South Korea following the martial law announcement, with citizens stockpiling essential goods, causing price surges for items such as canned food and batteries. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a major labor organization, called for a nationwide strike demanding Yoon’s resignation.
Globally, the White House expressed relief at Yoon’s reversal, while countries like the United Kingdom and Germany closely monitored the situation. Russia voiced concern over the unfolding crisis, and China advised its citizens in South Korea to exercise caution.
As protests intensify, the future of Yoon’s presidency hangs in the balance. Political analysts suggest his actions have accelerated calls for impeachment, which could bring significant political shifts in South Korea.
