What Will Happen To South Korea After Six Hours Of Chaos?

The world was taken aback on December 3 at 10:25 p.m. Korean Standard Time (KST) when word broke on social media that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had declared martial law. Most South Koreans, who had long benefited from democracy and had only learned about the declaration of martial law in history classes, were taken aback by the news.

Lawmakers and residents gathered at the National chamber in response to the news, and the opposition—led by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung—entered the chamber to cast votes on the president's choice. There was a vote against martial law after armed troops tried to enter the premises and fought with politicians and personnel, but were unable to stop the proceedings. After a six-hour ordeal, the President was compelled to lift martial law on December 4 at 4:40 am KST in response to the National Assembly's resolution.

Although it was unexpected, the imposition of martial law was not wholly unanticipated. The potential implementation of martial law has already been debated by a number of academics, especially in light of Yoon's cabinet's recent hiring of close allies. This sparked doubts about the possibility of a "palace coup." However, what prompted this drastic action?

Response To Increasing Pressure

Allegations of corruption and poor governance have plagued President Yoon's administration since 2022. For instance, the public and opposition have widely condemned his handling of the Itaewon crowd disaster and the doctors' protest. Aside from governance concerns, the First Lady has gained attention owing to allegations of corruption, scandals, and excessive influence in the presidency. But once the opposition won a majority in the April National Assembly elections, the situation worsened and the president's party found it challenging to enact laws and carry out regular operations.

Yoon's drastic action was probably prompted by mounting pressure from the public, his own party, and the Democratic Party (DP). When the first regular session of the 22nd Assembly started in September, this pressure increased. After that, Yoon had to deal with growing party conflict as the assembly became antagonistic and kept calling for the president to answer for his actions against the First Lady. A law that called for a special counsel probe into the First Lady's corruption claims was just last week vetoed by the president for the third time. His waning popularity also accompanied the strain between the president and the legislature.

"I declare martial law to protect the Republic of Korea from the threats of North Korean communist forces, to immediately eradicate the unscrupulous pro-Pyongyang antistate forces that pillage the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect free constitutional order," he said in his public statement announcing the martial law. He explained how the opposition's decision to prevent the National Assembly from operating as a "legislature dictatorship" had crippled state operations and paralyzed the government. His annoyance with the nation's opposition was made clear throughout the address.

The president was also under growing pressure from within his party, especially from People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, who openly encouraged the president to act in response to growing accusations against his wife and declining public support. He may have been pressured to take this severe measure, which was only backed by a small number of cabinet members, because he was losing support from the public and the party and the opposition's strategies were working. The decision was made without consulting the party or the prime minister, according to media reports, by the Chungam Faction, a small group of close aides that included the president and the defense minister. 

What Does Yoon and His Party Face?
The entire government offered to step down together once martial law was lifted. A number of high-ranking personnel in the presidential offices have already resigned, including the Chief of Staff for Policy, the National Security Adviser, and the Presidential Chief of Staff. "As the ruling party, we deeply apologise to the public for this distressing situation," said PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, in response to the president's decision. He also called for immediate action against Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who played a key role in the decision-making process.

The opposition, the DP, on the other hand, has not bowed. Following this incident, it has stepped up its efforts and decided to start the impeachment process against President Yoon if he doesn't step down right away. It calls his decision a "clear violation of the constitution" and goes on to say that it is "a serious act of rebellion and a perfect reason for impeachment."