South Korea is navigating an unprecedented political crisis following the short-lived martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3. This controversial move has plunged the nation into chaos, exposing deep divisions within parliament and igniting public outrage.
The situation escalated with weeks of protests culminating in Yoon’s impeachment by an opposition-led parliament on December 14. This was the second attempt to oust the president after the first vote was derailed by his party loyalists. The turmoil deepened further when acting president Han Duck-soo, who temporarily replaced Yoon, was also impeached—a historic first in South Korea’s democratic era.
Adding to the political unrest, President Yoon is now under criminal investigation, becoming the first sitting South Korean leader to face such scrutiny.
Why Was President Yoon Impeached?
Yoon’s controversial martial law decree, which lasted just six hours, is at the heart of the impeachment case. Opposition lawmakers accused him of insurrection for deploying troops to block parliament from rejecting his declaration, a move they argue violated constitutional law.
The December 7 impeachment vote initially failed due to a boycott by Yoon’s allies. However, days later, 12 members of his People Power Party sided with the opposition to pass the motion, cementing Yoon’s removal. The Constitutional Court will decide within six months whether to reinstate him or make his impeachment permanent.
What Prompted the Martial Law Declaration?
President Yoon defended his actions, citing the opposition’s use of its parliamentary majority to “paralyze” his administration. He accused them of cutting key government budgets and attempting to impeach his political appointees. However, legal experts argue these grievances do not meet the constitutional threshold to justify martial law.
Critics also highlight that Yoon failed to notify parliament of the declaration immediately, as required by law. During the brief period of martial law, the military allegedly sought to detain political leaders, fueling fears of authoritarianism.
Criminal Charges Loom Over President Yoon
The charges against Yoon include insurrection, a crime defined in South Korean law as an attempt to overthrow constitutional institutions through force. If found guilty and identified as the ringleader, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Several of Yoon’s allies, including his former defense minister and police chiefs, have already been arrested on similar charges. Prosecutors have also indicted military leaders who orchestrated the martial law declaration.
What’s Next for South Korea?
Yoon remains defiant, barricaded in his fortified residence while investigators seek to extend his arrest warrant. His security team has reinforced the compound, blocking attempts to execute the warrant and citing his status as a sitting president until the Constitutional Court’s final decision.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged authorities to handle the situation cautiously, warning against physical confrontations. Meanwhile, public opinion is deeply divided. Pro-Yoon supporters continue to rally, while critics demand accountability for his actions.
South Korea faces a critical juncture as it navigates the aftermath of this political upheaval. The nation must work to uphold its democratic values while resolving this unprecedented crisis.
This story continues to develop. Check back for updates on this unprecedented chapter in South Korean democracy.
