South Korea Declares Martial Law: President Yoon's Controversial Move Amid Political Turmoil

By Jessica Huang

Cover Image Attribute: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech to declare martial law in Seoul, South Korea, December 3, 2024. / Source: The Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS

For the first time in nearly half a century, South Korea has made the unprecedented move of declaring martial law nationwide. President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered this unexpected announcement late in the evening, shortly after 10 p.m. local time, citing urgent national security concerns. Effective from 11 p.m. the same night, the declaration signals a significant and urgent response to an unfolding crisis, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Martial law, a measure not seen in decades since the country's tumultuous past, grants sweeping powers to the military and suspends certain civil liberties. This decision underscores the gravity of the situation, leaving citizens and the international community concerned and bracing for further developments.

Article 77 of South Korea's constitution outlines the conditions under which martial law can be declared. It states that the President may proclaim martial law in situations of war, armed conflict, or similar national emergencies when military intervention is necessary to ensure public safety and order. Under extraordinary martial law, the article permits special measures such as restrictions on warrants, limitations on freedoms of speech, the press, assembly, and association, as well as modifications to the powers of the Executive and Judiciary, all in accordance with the law.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, the military has indicated that parliamentary activities and political party operations would be suspended, with media and publishers placed under the control of the martial law command. Additionally, members of Parliament have reportedly been barred from accessing the National Assembly premises in Seoul. 

"Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin… I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country," he said, while requesting the public to tolerate "some inconveniences." This call for tolerance underlines the potential impact of martial law on the daily lives of South Koreans.

President Yoon's decision to declare martial law comes amid significant political challenges. Following a landslide victory for the opposition in the National Assembly elections earlier this year, Yoon faced a gridlocked government, could not pass his desired legislation, and was forced to veto opposition-backed bills instead. This political stalemate, which he described as the opposition having "paralyzed state affairs," has left him in a weakened position as a so-called lame-duck president.

Compounding his troubles is a steady decline in approval ratings since his election in 2022, fueled by a series of scandals involving both him and his wife. According to the BBC, Yoon's wife has faced accusations of "influence peddling," including allegations of stock manipulation and accepting a luxury Dior handbag. These controversies have further emboldened the opposition, which has been pushing for a special investigation into her conduct. Such an investigation could potentially lead to further political turmoil and could significantly weaken Yoon's position.

In recent weeks, President Yoon's conservative People Power Party has been at a standstill with the liberal Democratic Party over the budget bill for the upcoming year. At the same time, the opposition has initiated impeachment proceedings against three top prosecutors, a move Yoon has labeled as retaliation for their investigation into Lee Jae-Myung. Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, is widely seen as a frontrunner for the 2027 race. With these mounting challenges, Yoon has opted for what analysts call "the nuclear option."

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People's Power Party, has criticized the martial law declaration as a "wrong" decision and pledged to oppose it. Under South Korean law, martial law must be lifted if a majority in the National Assembly votes for its repeal. However, with reports indicating that lawmakers are being denied access to Parliament, it remains uncertain how such a vote could be conducted. 

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