South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has lifted his controversial martial law declaration after a dramatic standoff with parliament and widespread public protests. The six-hour crisis, marked by troop deployments, helicopter patrols, and clashes outside the National Assembly, has plunged the country deeper into political turmoil and left Yoon’s presidency hanging by a thread.
Martial Law Sparks Chaos
Late Tuesday, Yoon stunned the nation by declaring martial law, accusing the opposition-controlled parliament of supporting “pro-North Korean forces” and undermining the country’s constitutional order. In a televised address, he vowed to “eradicate anti-state forces” and asked citizens to bear temporary “inconveniences” for the sake of national stability.
The backlash was swift. Opposition lawmakers, led by the Democratic Party, unanimously declared the martial law “null and void.” National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik denounced the move as an assault on democracy, while hundreds of protesters gathered outside parliament, demanding Yoon’s resignation. Tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with police and attempted to disarm stationed troops.
A Crisis Resolved but Not Forgotten
By early Wednesday, Yoon’s government, under immense domestic and international pressure, lifted the martial law order. The measure was formally rescinded at 4:30 a.m., and military personnel withdrew from the Assembly grounds shortly thereafter. It was the most dramatic use of martial law in South Korea since democratization in 1987 and a moment that underscored the fragility of the nation’s political stability.
The Biden administration expressed concern over the unfolding events. “We are seriously concerned by the developments we are seeing on the ground in the ROK,” a National Security Council spokesperson said. Pentagon officials confirmed that the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea were unaffected, emphasizing hopes for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Impeachment Threat Looms
The martial law debacle has intensified calls for Yoon’s impeachment. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, condemned the declaration as “illegal and unconstitutional.” The Democratic Party has given Yoon 72 hours to resign or face impeachment proceedings.
Under South Korean law, impeachment requires a two-thirds vote in parliament and approval by the Constitutional Court. If successful, Yoon would be suspended, with elections held within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume interim leadership during the process.
Even within Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, dissent is growing. Party leader Han Dong-hoon called the martial law declaration a mistake, pledging to work with parliament to restore political order.
Yoon’s Presidency on the Brink
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has faced mounting opposition from a parliament controlled by his political rivals, along with accusations of authoritarianism and corruption. His martial law gambit, intended to assert control, may have backfired spectacularly, further alienating voters and lawmakers alike.
With approval ratings already at historic lows, Yoon’s ability to recover from this crisis appears increasingly uncertain. As South Korea navigates this moment of political upheaval, the coming days will determine whether Yoon’s presidency can survive or if the country will head toward a historic impeachment.