South Korea is reeling from a political crisis as calls for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation intensify following his controversial declaration of martial law.
The president’s abrupt order, which he attributed to “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea, lasted just six hours before being overturned by his own party and the country’s parliament.
Martial Law Declared, Then Revoked
On Tuesday, President Yoon made the extraordinary decision to impose martial law, marking the first such move in nearly 50 years.
The declaration, which saw armed soldiers encircling parliament and clashing with protesters, shocked the nation. The order was formally lifted at 4:30 a.m. during an emergency cabinet meeting after lawmakers, including those from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, voted to end it.
A Nation in Turmoil
During the brief period of martial law, South Korea faced chaos as citizens questioned the survival of its democracy. Protesters stormed barricades near the National Assembly in Seoul, clashing with military forces deployed to enforce the president’s directives.
Many accused Yoon of overstepping his authority, with critics claiming his actions were motivated by political challenges rather than genuine national security concerns.
Impeachment Proceedings Begin
Six opposition parties, led by the main Democratic Party (DP), have filed a motion to impeach Yoon. The opposition has described his actions as a dangerous overreach of power, with senior DP lawmaker Park Chan-dae stating, “It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down.”
Parliament is expected to review the impeachment motion on Thursday, with a vote anticipated on Friday or Saturday. If successful, it could lead to the suspension of Yoon’s presidential powers pending a constitutional court review.
Ruling Party Faces Internal Strife
The political crisis has also exposed fractures within Yoon’s ruling People Power Party.
Party leaders have demanded the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and the entire cabinet, signalling discontent with how the crisis was handled.
Clashes and Calm in Seoul
Despite the earlier unrest, life in Seoul has returned to normal for now. However, the city bears lingering scars from Tuesday’s violent clashes between military personnel and protesters near parliament.
What’s Next for South Korea?
President Yoon, who has been in office since 2022, faces mounting pressure to step down. With his legitimacy under scrutiny and impeachment proceedings underway, South Korea stands at a political crossroads. As citizens and lawmakers await the outcome, the events of the past 24 hours have left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic fabric.
Stay tuned for updates as this political earthquake unfolds.
