You’ve seen the news about South Korea declaring martial law – and here’s your guide to what happened.
At a glance:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, citing “anti-state activities” and North Korean threats, only to rescind the order hours later.
- The National Assembly swiftly rejected the martial law declaration, with bipartisan opposition, prompting widespread calls for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.
- Public protests and international criticism have intensified as South Koreans rally to protect democratic values.
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, citing vague threats from “anti-state activities” and North Korea. The unprecedented move, the first of its kind in four decades, gave sweeping powers to the military over civilian governance. However, within hours, Yoon was forced to reverse his decision after fierce opposition from the National Assembly, his own party, and the public. The incident has left South Korea grappling with political instability as calls for Yoon’s impeachment grow louder.
Yoon’s Martial Law Gamble Backfires
The martial law declaration came as a shock to South Koreans, who have long prided themselves on their democratic resilience. Yoon’s televised address framed the move as a necessity to protect the nation from internal and external threats, accusing opposition parties of undermining governance. The order included bans on public gatherings and political expression, strict media controls, and military oversight of healthcare services.
Critics, however, saw the declaration as a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power amid Yoon’s dwindling approval ratings and mounting corruption allegations. The National Assembly, which had been sealed off by security forces, convened in defiance and swiftly voted to nullify the martial law order. Lawmakers from Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party joined the opposition in rejecting the decree, signaling growing discontent within his political base.
Adding to the drama, pro-Yoon security forces failed to prevent MPs from entering the parliament building, some of whom reportedly climbed fences and broke barricades to cast their votes. The rejection of martial law was unanimous, showcasing the legislature’s firm stance against authoritarian measures.
Public Outcry and Political Fallout
The declaration and its rapid reversal have sparked widespread protests across the country. Thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets of Seoul, demanding Yoon’s resignation. Demonstrators see the incident as an alarming attempt to undermine the nation’s democratic foundations, with union leaders threatening strikes until Yoon steps down.
Polling indicates that over 70% of South Koreans support impeachment, reflecting deep public distrust in Yoon’s leadership. His approval rating has plummeted to a historic low of 13%, highlighting the erosion of confidence even among his conservative supporters.
Even within his own party, dissent is growing. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, initially opposed impeachment efforts but reversed his stance on Friday, citing “credible evidence” that Yoon had planned to arrest political rivals, including Han himself, on “anti-state charges.” Han condemned the president’s actions, warning of the danger Yoon posed to the nation’s democracy.
The fallout has extended to South Korea’s security forces, with key commanders suspended for carrying out martial law orders before they were rescinded. Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-kuen, who defied orders to remove MPs from the assembly floor, testified that he had instructed soldiers to avoid violence and withhold live ammunition. His actions, along with the military’s swift return to barracks, helped prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis.
Democratic Resilience Amid Crisis
Despite the turmoil, South Korea’s institutions have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The swift and bipartisan rejection of martial law by the National Assembly underscores the strength of the country’s constitutional framework. Unlike similar crises in other democracies, such as the U.S. Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, South Korea’s response was decisive and orderly, avoiding violence and chaos.
Observers note that this episode has served as an unintended “stress test” for South Korea’s democracy, which has historically faced challenges from both authoritarianism and external threats. The incident has also drawn international scrutiny, with allies like the United States expressing concern over regional stability. Markets reacted nervously, with declines in the currency, bond, and stock markets, though these effects are expected to be temporary.
Yoon’s political future now hangs in the balance. The National Assembly is set to vote on an impeachment motion, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass. Opposition lawmakers have been rallying support from Yoon’s party, and early signs suggest they may succeed. Cho Kyung-tae, a ruling party MP, publicly endorsed impeachment, urging his colleagues to “stand on the side of the people.”
While Yoon has remained out of public view since revoking martial law, pressure is mounting for him to address the nation. Analysts predict that impeachment proceedings will move forward, and if successful, Yoon could face prosecution and potential jail time, echoing the fate of former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and imprisoned in 2017.
For South Korea, the immediate priority is restoring public confidence and ensuring that no leader can exploit emergency powers to threaten democracy again. While the political and economic costs of this crisis are significant, the country’s robust institutional response has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance.