South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the nation by declaring martial law Tuesday night, marking the first such action in nearly five decades. Framing his decision as necessary to counter “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea, Yoon’s move was widely seen as a response to domestic political turmoil rather than external dangers.
The declaration, which briefly placed the military in control, was met with fierce resistance. Thousands of protesters gathered at the National Assembly, chanting against dictatorship, while opposition lawmakers rushed to nullify the measure. By early Wednesday, parliament overwhelmingly voted to overturn martial law, rendering it invalid.
Yoon’s actions have sparked calls for impeachment, with lawmakers set to vote on the matter by Saturday. The opposition accused Yoon of overreach and labeled his behavior “insurrectionary.”
Critics argue Yoon’s declaration aimed to suppress growing political challenges, including corruption scandals, plummeting approval ratings, and the opposition’s control of parliament. Experts warn the move could harm South Korea’s global democratic standing and intensify calls for Yoon’s removal.
This political crisis underscores the fragile balance of power in South Korea, a nation that has grown into a thriving democracy since its authoritarian past.
