Dec 4 2024: South Korea plunged into political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law late Tuesday, which he reversed hours later following widespread opposition from lawmakers and the public. The move has sparked calls for his resignation or impeachment, with critics accusing Yoon of undermining democratic norms in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Martial Law Declaration Sparks Outrage
Yoon justified the martial law order, citing threats from nuclear-armed North Korea and alleged “anti-state forces,” but failed to provide specific evidence. The declaration led to chaotic scenes, as armed troops attempted to seize the National Assembly, only to face defiance from lawmakers and protesters.
Parliament unanimously passed a motion demanding the immediate lifting of martial law, with even members of Yoon’s own People Power Party supporting the decision. Within hours, Yoon rescinded the order, but the damage to his presidency had already been done.
Opposition Pushes for Impeachment
The Democratic Party and five other opposition groups announced plans to file an impeachment bill, with voting expected by the weekend. Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Park Chan-dae said Yoon had lost the ability to govern and should step down.
If impeachment proceeds, South Korea’s constitutional court would determine whether to remove Yoon from office. In such a case, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would act as interim leader until new elections.
Public and Market Reaction
The martial law debacle has fueled protests, with unions and civil society groups demanding Yoon’s resignation. South Korea’s largest labor coalition has pledged strikes until he steps down. Meanwhile, financial markets reacted negatively, with stocks falling 2% and the won briefly plunging to a two-year low before suspected government intervention stabilized the currency.
A surge in demand for emergency supplies like canned goods and bottled water reflected public anxiety.
Diplomatic and Military Fallout
The crisis has disrupted U.S.-South Korea relations, postponing joint military exercises and high-level defense talks. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Yoon’s reversal but urged South Korea to resolve its political disputes peacefully.
Internationally, the turmoil has strained diplomatic ties, with Sweden’s prime minister postponing a planned visit to South Korea and Japan canceling a parliamentary delegation’s trip.
Challenges for Yoon’s Leadership
Yoon, a former prosecutor who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, has struggled with low approval ratings and political setbacks. His People Power Party recently lost control of the National Assembly, leaving him vulnerable to opposition challenges.
The martial law episode marks a significant blow to Yoon’s administration and South Korea’s democratic institutions. Critics likened it to past instances of authoritarian rule, underscoring the precarious state of Yoon’s presidency.
Danny Russel, a vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute, described the reversal as “dodging a bullet” for South Korea but said Yoon’s actions had inflicted severe damage on his political standing.
