Soldiers advance to the main building of the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in Seoul, South Korea, December 3. Yonhap via REUTERS
South Korean President Declares Martial Law Amid Political Crisis
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night, marking the gravest threat to South Korea’s democracy since the 1980s. The move, which Yoon described as necessary to protect constitutional order, was swiftly condemned by opposition lawmakers, civic groups, and even members of his ruling party.
Martial Law Sparks Outrage
Yoon’s declaration of martial law, ostensibly aimed at curbing “anti-state forces” within the country, has plunged South Korea into turmoil. The announcement was rejected in a parliamentary vote, which under South Korean law requires the president to immediately lift martial law.
Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting slogans like “Withdraw emergency martial law!” and “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.” Inside, helmeted soldiers attempted to enter the building but were met with resistance from parliamentary aides wielding fire extinguishers.
Demonstrator Im Jin-soo, 66, expressed his determination to protect democracy:
“During the dictators we couldn’t rise up, but now we can.”
Political and Economic Fallout
Yoon’s own party leader, Han Dong-hoon, opposed the declaration, citing recent scandals and disagreements with the president. The opposition Democratic Party called the move an illegal “coup d’état.”
Financial markets reacted swiftly, with the Korean won falling sharply against the U.S. dollar. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting to stabilize markets.
Crackdown on Democratic Institutions
The military, under martial law command, announced bans on parliamentary activities, political parties, and independent media. Critics argue the move shifts focus from external threats, such as North Korea, to domestic political opponents.
This marks the first martial law declaration in South Korea since 1980, during the authoritarian regime of Chun Doo-hwan, and raises fears of a regression in democratic governance.
International Response
The United States expressed deep concern, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
“We stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty,” Campbell said, reaffirming the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
The U.S. military, which has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, has not issued a public response.
A Nation on Edge
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law has drawn comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past, alarming citizens who fought for democracy in the 1980s. As protesters gather and political leaders condemn the move, the country faces a profound test of its democratic resilience.
The coming days will determine whether constitutional order can be restored peacefully or whether South Korea will descend into deeper political and social unrest.
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