The South Korean president's martial law gamble backfired: What was he thinking?

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a shocking announcement that sent ripples through the nation. In a late-night address, he declared martial law, a move that many viewed as a throwback to the military rule that South Korea experienced decades ago. This declaration raised a multitude of questions among the citizens of Seoul, particularly regarding the president's motivations. Just a day after his announcement, protests erupted across the streets, and the National Assembly was thrown into chaos as lawmakers began impeachment proceedings against him. This situation has put the future of democracy in South Korea into serious jeopardy. The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1979, following a military coup that resulted in the assassination of the then-ruler. Since that time, South Korea has transformed into a stable and prosperous democracy. However, President Yoon claimed that he was imposing military rule to protect the country from what he described as 'dark forces. ' He went so far as to label the opposition-controlled National Assembly a 'den of criminals' that was attempting to paralyze the government. But within hours of his declaration, he was forced to backtrack as furious protesters and lawmakers gathered outside the National Assembly, where MPs successfully voted down his order. President Yoon's declaration of martial law was seen as a desperate attempt to gain control over a government that has consistently challenged him since he won the presidency in 2022 by a narrow margin. His time in office has been marred by controversy, including criticism over his administration's response to a tragic crowd crush during Halloween that resulted in the deaths of 159 young people. Additionally, his party faced a significant defeat in parliamentary elections, leaving him in a vulnerable position. Even before he announced martial law, his approval rating had plummeted to below 20%. In his address, it became clear that President Yoon was frustrated with the opposition-controlled parliament. He referred to the assembly as a 'monster' that was undermining the liberal democratic system. His mention of threats from North Korea and 'anti-state forces' suggested that he was attempting to rally support from right-wing conservatives who often label liberal politicians as 'communists. ' However, he misread the political landscape and the sentiments of the South Korean people. His shocking announcement led to massive protests, with crowds gathering outside the National Assembly Building to voice their dissent. The declaration of martial law served as a chilling reminder of a period that many in South Korea have tried to forget. Newsreaders on television appeared visibly shaken as they reported on the unfolding events. In 1980, when pro-democracy activists, many of whom were students, protested against martial law, the military responded with violence, resulting in the deaths of around 200 individuals. Martial law lasted for three years, from 1979 to 1981, during which South Korea was under military rule for decades. During this time, suspicion ran rampant, and anti-government activists were often labeled as Communist spies, leading to their arrest or even death. During his election campaign, President Yoon had praised the authoritarian general Chun Doo-hwan, acknowledging that he managed government affairs well, except for his suppression of pro-democracy activists. Although he later apologized and claimed he did not defend Chun's government, this incident provides insight into his perspective on power. For months, rumors circulated in South Korean political circles that Yoon was contemplating the imposition of martial law. In September, opposition leaders and party members suggested it was a possibility, but most dismissed it as an extreme measure. However, it seems that fear of prosecution may have played a significant role in his decision-making process. South Korea has a history of former presidents facing legal troubles, with Park Geun-hye, the first female leader, being jailed for abuse of power and corruption. Her predecessor, Lee Myung-bak, was investigated for stock price manipulation and sentenced to 17 years in prison for corruption and bribery in 2020. Another former president, Roh Moo-hyun, tragically took his own life in 2009 while under investigation for receiving bribes. In South Korea, prosecutions have become a political tool, often used as a threat against the opposition. This context may help explain why President Yoon took such drastic action. Regardless of his motives, it is clear that his political career will struggle to recover from this incident. He is facing calls to resign, and reports suggest that members of his own People Power Party are discussing the possibility of expelling him. South Korea is a stable democracy, but it is also a place where citizens are vocal about their rights and will not accept another authoritarian rule. President Yoon will now face the judgment of both the parliament and the people after they rejected his most serious challenge to democracy since the 1980s.