“South Korea’s 48- Hour Political Showdown: A Fight for Democracy or a Grab for Power?”
Table of Contents
“South Korea‘s 48-hour political upheaval: Defending democracy or abusing power?”
“South Korea Ends Martial Law: A Bold Step Towards Peace and Progress”South Korea withdraws martial law after surprise presidential order
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s cabinet has withdrawn the martial law order he imposed in the country, just hours after he issued a surprise order that threw Seoul into political uncertainty and sparked a fierce reaction from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
The cabinet’s decision comes after Yoon withdrew his short-lived order on Wednesday local time and recalled troops deployed to enforce the order.
South Korean lawmakers – who had fought overnight to stop the martial law order with a parliamentary vote – are now demanding his resignation.
The opposition Democratic Party says impeachment proceedings will be launched against Yoon if he does not step down immediately. “We will not stand idly by as President Yoon witnesses his crimes of destroying the constitution and trampling on democracy,” the party said. “President Yoon should immediately voluntarily resign.” Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s ruling People’s Power Party, apologized to the public and called for the country’s defense minister to be fired in a statement to reporters Wednesday morning.
“The president should give a direct and thorough explanation about this sad situation,” he said. “The defense minister who recommended this martial law should be dismissed immediately and all those responsible should be held strictly accountable.”
The last time South Korea’s president declared martial law was in 1980, when a nationwide uprising led by students and labor unions erupted.
Soldiers walk out of the National Assembly after South Korea’s parliament passed a resolution to lift martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol, Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 4, 2024. Yonhap via Reuters This image is supplied by a third party. No resale. No archiving. Outside South Korea. No commercial or editorial sales in South Korea.
Analysts say South Korean president made one of ‘big political mistakes’
Yun declared martial law in a surprise address late Tuesday, bringing back memories of a more painful, authoritarian past, when soldiers attempted to enter the main hall of the National Assembly and people gathered outside to protest the measure after his announcement.
The president accused the main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and anti-state activities, citing a proposal by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject the government’s budget proposal.
Lawmakers acted quickly to block the martial law order just hours after Yun’s announcement, with 190 of the 300 members of parliament voting to overturn the measure.
Hours of uncertainty When he declared martial law, Yun had labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed that these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.” In his address, Yun said, “In order to protect liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korean communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I declare emergency martial law.” He described martial law as a necessary measure to eliminate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and said the decision was necessary to protect the people’s freedom and security, ensure the country’s stability, and hand over a stable nation to future generations.
While Yoon did not clarify what specific measures would be taken, Yonhap reported, citing the full military order, which bans all political and parliamentary activities and allows arrests without a warrant.
The order also bans “denying or attempting to subvert free democracy,” and outlaws “fake news” and “manipulation of public opinion.” Those who violate the order can be arrested or raided without needing a warrant, Yonhap said.
Citing the same document, Reuters reported that “strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos” are also banned. This includes doctors who went on strike; they are ordered to return to work within 48 hours under the order.
Just after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning in Seoul (11 a.m. ET Tuesday)
Just after 1 a.m. Wednesday morning in Seoul (11 a.m. ET Tuesday), dozens of soldiers who had entered the main parliamentary building ahead of the vote were seen retreating, according to Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo and local television stations.
When news of lawmakers’ vote broke, citizens waiting outside the building cheered — with some shouting, “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!” Police attempt to stop people trying to enter the National Assembly in front of the main entrance in Seoul late Tuesday night. Police attempt to stop people trying to enter the National Assembly in front of the main entrance in Seoul late Tuesday night. Jung Yeon-je President’s announcement surprises residents and lawmakers The declaration of early martial law sent shockwaves across the country.
People living in Seoul rushed to be with their family members. “Walking in the streets, there are people who are running home to their families, to be with them, to figure out what to do, to be close to loved ones in this moment that is unprecedented in many of our memories,” from Seoul. Valerio said law enforcement agencies told people they could also be arrested without a warrant under martial law.
“Many people in (Seoul) are stunned and trying to understand how an unpopular president made this move, what’s going to happen next and what this means for democracy in South Korea,” he said.
Martial law is “unconstitutional”
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, said the declaration of emergency martial law is “unconstitutional,” calling it a move that “goes against the people,” Yonhap reported. “President Yoon declared emergency martial law without any reason,” Lee said. “Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country.”
When the president backed down from his efforts on Wednesday morning, he reiterated his criticism of the opposition party, saying in a statement that they were frustrating his government’s moves.
“We urge the National Assembly to immediately halt its reckless actions that are crippling state functions through repeated impeachments, legislative manipulation and budget manipulation,” he said.
Who is South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol?
Yoon, who represents the conservative People Power Party, has been South Korea’s president since 2022. He won the election by a slim margin, finishing ahead of rival Lee by less than one percent.
Yoon was a newcomer to politics, having spent the past 27 years of his career as a prosecutor. He has faced a number of challenges since taking office after liberal President Moon Jae-in, ranging from the enduring threat of North Korea to growing tensions between South Korea’s major partners, the US and China, as well as a drop in the birth rate.
He has long taken a tough stance on North Korea, a departure from his predecessor Moon, who favoured dialogue and peaceful reconciliation. Yoon criticised this approach as “insubordination”. Instead Yun promised to increase South Korea’s military, even as he hinted he would preemptively strike if he detected signs of aggression against Seoul.
Political battles at home
But he has faced political battles at home, clashing with the opposition Democratic Party, which has repeatedly impeached ministers and scuttled the government’s financial plans.
Yun has seen his popularity ratings plummet since taking office – amid a number of scandals and controversies that led hundreds of thousands of people to call for his impeachment.
The declaration of martial law on Tuesday stunned South Korea’s allies. A National Security Council spokesman said in a statement that the Biden administration was “not informed in advance” about Yoon declaring martial law.
“The administration is in contact with the ROK government and is closely monitoring the situation as we work to learn more. The United States was not informed in advance of this announcement. We are deeply concerned by the developments we are seeing on the ground in the ROK,” the spokesman said.
The United States is “monitoring events” in South Korea “with grave concern,” Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said at an event where he described the US alliance with South Korea as “unshakable.”
South Korea and the United States have a decades-old mutual defense treaty, meaning the two must aid each other if they are ever attacked. South Korea is home to major US military installations, among them the US Army’s Camp Humphreys, the largest US military installation outside the United States, home to more than 41,000 US service members, civilian employees, contractors and family members. Along with Japan and the Philippines, which also boast mutual defense treaties with the US, South Korea is part of a trio of regional powers that have helped consolidate US power in both Asia and the Pacific for decades.
Sources of News:
Soon after 1 a.m. Wednesday in Seoul (11 a.m. ET Tuesday), many fighters who raged the vitally parliamentary structure in front of the vote were seen withdrawing, as per Korean paper Chosun Ilbo and nearby TV slots.
Conclusion
The 48-hour political turbulence in South Korea underscores the delicate balance between upholding democratic principles and the potential misuse of authority. While the rapid developments have sparked debates on whether they reflect a genuine effort to safeguard democracy or a calculated maneuver for power, one thing is clear: the resilience of South Korea’s democratic framework is being tested. The outcome of this turmoil will not only shape the nation’s political landscape but also set a precedent for how democracy is defended—or compromised—in the face of adversity. The true test lies in ensuring that power remains a tool for the people, not an instrument of control.
