In a stunning late-night television address on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law across the nation, citing the need to eliminate so-called “anti-state” and “pro-North Korean” forces. However, critics and opposition leaders argue that Yoon’s drastic move is not a response to external threats but rather a desperate attempt to cling to power amid plummeting approval ratings and mounting political challenges.
Yoon, who has struggled to advance his conservative People Power Party’s (PPP) agenda in a parliament dominated by the opposition Democratic Party, accused his adversaries of “paralyzing state affairs” and turning the National Assembly into “a den of criminals.” His declaration, however, has been widely condemned as a calculated assault on South Korea’s fragile democracy, reminiscent of the authoritarian tactics last seen in the 1980s.
Opposition and Public Resistance Erupts
Within hours of the martial law announcement, protests erupted outside the National Assembly in Seoul. Citizens chanted slogans denouncing Yoon’s move, with some demanding his resignation. Helmeted soldiers carrying rifles stationed themselves at the parliamentary complex, while police struggled to contain the swelling crowds.
Inside the Assembly, opposition lawmakers took immediate action. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, a member of the Democratic Party, called an emergency session, denouncing the martial law declaration as “invalid” and urging lawmakers to defend democracy. In a historic and unanimous vote, 190 of the 300 Assembly members passed a resolution rejecting martial law and demanding its immediate repeal.
Read More: Sweden’s Gangs Exploit Children as the New Face of Organized Crime
“President Yoon’s declaration is unconstitutional and tyrannical,” declared Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party. “We will protect democracy with our lives if necessary.”
Political Turmoil Reaches a Boiling Point
The declaration of martial law comes amid growing tensions between Yoon and the opposition, which has stymied his administration’s efforts to pass next year’s budget and investigate scandals implicating his wife and top officials. Yoon’s inability to govern effectively in the face of these challenges has led to a crisis of legitimacy, with his approval ratings plummeting since his narrow election victory in 2022.
The Democratic Party has framed Yoon’s move as a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and consolidate power. “This is not about national security or North Korea,” said Woo. “This is a president weaponizing the military to silence his critics and dismantle democratic institutions.”
Meanwhile, even members of Yoon’s own party have voiced dissent. Han Dong-hoon, a former justice minister and senior PPP figure, publicly condemned the martial law decree, labeling it “a grave mistake.”
A Return to Authoritarianism?
Yoon’s critics argue that his declaration marks a dangerous regression to South Korea’s authoritarian past. The last instance of martial law, imposed in 1980, led to the Gwangju Uprising, where hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators were killed by the military. While South Korea has since established itself as a beacon of democracy in East Asia, Yoon’s actions have cast a dark shadow over its progress.
Under the martial law decree, political activities, protests, and parliamentary sessions are banned. Warrants are no longer required for arrests, and the military is authorized to detain anyone accused of spreading “fake news” or inciting “social chaos.” Doctors on strike have been ordered to return to work within 48 hours, with violators facing immediate arrest.
“The language of this decree is chilling,” said Kim Min-woo, a political analyst. “It criminalizes dissent and gives the president sweeping powers to suppress opposition under the guise of national security.”
Public Outrage Mounts
The public response to Yoon’s declaration has been swift and fierce. Thousands of protesters braved freezing temperatures to rally outside the National Assembly, waving South Korean flags and demanding Yoon’s resignation. Some likened the scene to the pro-democracy protests of the 1980s, with citizens vowing to protect their hard-won freedoms.
Kim Yeon-hee, a 36-year-old office worker in Seoul, expressed her disbelief at the unfolding crisis. “This feels like a nightmare. We’ve seen this in history books, but to experience it firsthand is horrifying,” she said.
As news of the parliamentary vote to lift martial law spread, jubilant cheers erupted among the crowd. Protesters celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy, though uncertainty looms over whether Yoon will comply with the resolution.
What Lies Ahead?
While South Korean law requires the president to abide by parliamentary decisions to lift martial law, Yoon has not indicated whether he will adhere to the vote. His political future hangs by a thread, with calls for impeachment growing louder.
Experts warn that Yoon’s gamble could backfire, further alienating an already disillusioned public and deepening divisions within the PPP. “If Yoon refuses to lift martial law, he risks pushing the country into a full-blown constitutional crisis,” said Park Ji-hoon, a constitutional law professor.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: South Korea is at a crossroads. The outcome of this crisis will not only determine Yoon’s political fate but also shape the future of democracy in a nation still haunted by its authoritarian past.