South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces the most serious crisis of his presidency after a controversial martial law declaration triggered nationwide protests, impeachment proceedings, and a criminal investigation into alleged insurrection. The unprecedented move has left Yoon politically isolated and his presidency on the brink of collapse.
Yoon’s abrupt imposition of martial law on Tuesday, citing threats of “pro-North Korean” activities, marked South Korea’s first such declaration since 1980. Troops were deployed to parliament, political activities were banned, and media censorship was briefly imposed. The decree was rescinded within six hours following fierce backlash from lawmakers and the public, but the damage was already done.
Swift Backlash
Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who coordinated the declaration, resigned on Wednesday, taking full responsibility. “All actions carried out regarding the Emergency Martial Law were under my orders,” Kim stated, though questions linger about whether the initiative was driven by Yoon himself. Prosecutors have since banned Kim from leaving the country and launched an investigation into Yoon for potential insurrection, a charge punishable by death in South Korea.
Public outrage erupted almost immediately. Protesters gathered outside parliament, calling the martial law a betrayal of democracy. “This is horrifying,” said Kim Hye-Min, a protester. “It’s a nightmare for my children and our future.”
Political Fallout and Impeachment
Opposition lawmakers, galvanized by the crisis, filed an impeachment motion on Wednesday, accusing Yoon of authoritarian overreach. The motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly, where opposition parties hold 192 seats. At least eight defections from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) are needed for the motion to succeed.
If passed, Yoon’s powers would be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would serve as acting president until the Constitutional Court rules on the impeachment. The court has up to 180 days to decide, leaving Yoon’s fate in limbo.
A Fractured Presidency
Yoon’s approval ratings, already at a record-low 19%, are expected to plummet further. Analysts see little chance of recovery. “The Korean public is not inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt,” said Rob York of the Pacific Forum think tank. “His approval ratings could sink into single digits.”
Even within Yoon’s party, divisions are evident. PPP leaders officially oppose impeachment, but an anti-Yoon faction has signaled dissent, complicating efforts to contain the fallout.
Public and International Condemnation
Protests have intensified, with candlelight vigils and symbolic acts of defiance, such as head-shaving demonstrations, becoming widespread. Internationally, the martial law declaration has drawn condemnation. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell called it a “deeply illegitimate process,” while Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution.
Markets Shaken, Presidency in Peril
The crisis has also rattled South Korea’s financial markets, with volatility in the benchmark KOSPI index and suspected state intervention to stabilize the won. Meanwhile, Yoon has remained out of public view since his televised martial law announcement, intensifying calls for his resignation.
As South Korea grapples with the fallout, the martial law fiasco marks a critical moment for the country’s democracy and President Yoon’s political survival.
