Seoul: South Korean lawmakers have moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his abrupt declaration of martial law, which was later rescinded after a dramatic standoff between the government and military. The crisis has deeply shaken the nation, tarnished South Korea's global standing, and intensified political unrest.
On Tuesday night, Yoon invoked martial law to ban political activities and impose media censorship in a move he claimed was necessary to counter "anti-state threats." However, the decision, made without prior consultation with key allies such as the United States, drew swift backlash. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Washington had received no prior notice and emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of political disputes.
Armed troops entered the National Assembly in Seoul but were met with resistance as parliamentary aides used fire extinguishers to deter them. Lawmakers promptly nullified the martial law declaration, with 190 out of 300 members voting to overturn it. Outside, protesters clashed with police, echoing the candlelight demonstrations that led to former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment in 2017.
On Wednesday evening, thousands of South Koreans gathered in a candlelight vigil demanding Yoon’s resignation. Opposition parties introduced an impeachment motion, set for a vote later this week. "We cannot stand by as democracy is eroded," said Kim Yong-min, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party.
Within Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, calls for accountability grew louder. Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun offered to resign amid mounting criticism of his role in the crisis.
The turmoil rattled global markets, with South Korea’s KOSPI index dropping 1.4% and the won hovering near a two-year low. Major employers like Hyundai and LG Electronics advised staff to work remotely, while panic buying of essentials like canned goods and bottled water surged.
The fallout also disrupted planned U.S.-South Korea defense talks and joint military exercises, straining diplomatic ties further.
Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, has faced declining approval ratings, now hovering around 20%. Critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies, citing his hardline stances on labor unions and political opponents. If impeached, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership until new elections are held.
This marks the first martial law declaration in South Korea since 1980, a period remembered for military crackdowns on democratic movements. While Yoon has defended his actions as constitutionally valid, many view this as a misstep that could cost him his presidency.
Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, summarized the situation: "South Korea avoided a full-blown crisis, but Yoon’s actions may have irreparably damaged his political career."
As South Korea navigates the aftermath, the nation watches closely, with hopes that democratic principles will prevail.