Martial Law in South Korea: A Six-Hour Crisis That Shook Democracy

A Late-Night Declaration Sparks Outrage

At 11 p.m. Tuesday, President Yoon appeared on national television, accusing the opposition of engaging in “antistate” activities and declaring “emergency martial law” to address what he called a crisis of governance. The decree banned political activities, demonstrations, and media publications that could undermine the government, though no immediate media censorship was reported.

The announcement stunned the nation. Within minutes, thousands of citizens gathered outside the National Assembly in Seoul, demanding the immediate repeal of martial law. Protesters formed human barricades to block military vehicles, while some opposition lawmakers climbed through windows to access the Assembly chamber. By midnight, the situation had devolved into chaos, with tensions running high between citizens, police, and soldiers.

Political Leaders Condemn the Move

Yoon’s declaration faced swift bipartisan condemnation. Woo Won-shik, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, called for an emergency session to overturn the president’s decree. Even members of Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party criticized the decision, with the party chairman describing the declaration as “a grievous error.”

By 2 a.m., 190 lawmakers had convened at the National Assembly, voting unanimously to revoke martial law. The vote forced Yoon to lift the declaration, as required by the South Korean Constitution.

Public and International Response

The dramatic reversal at 4:30 a.m. came after hours of public protests and mounting criticism. Citizens who had braved freezing temperatures to rally at the Assembly expressed relief but remained shaken.

“I came here with my family because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” said Kim Song-won, a 60-year-old protester. “I thought martial law was a thing of the past.”

International observers, including the United States, reacted with concern. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized Washington’s support for South Korea’s democratic institutions. “We hope and expect that any disputes will be resolved peacefully and within the framework of the rule of law,” he said.

Historical Echoes

Martial law has a dark history in South Korea, with the last instance occurring in 1980 during the Gwangju Uprising, when military forces brutally suppressed pro-democracy protesters, leaving hundreds dead. Analysts were quick to draw parallels between that period and Yoon’s actions.

“This was a chilling reminder of the authoritarian past many Koreans thought was behind them,” said Shin Bong-ki, a law professor at Kyungpook National University.

A Gamble That May Backfire

Yoon’s presidency, already marred by low approval ratings and political scandals, is likely to suffer further after this episode. Analysts suggest the move was a high-stakes gamble aimed at reasserting authority over an opposition-dominated Assembly but one that has left his leadership in jeopardy.

“Yoon profoundly misread the political and cultural landscape of South Korea,” said Darcie Draudt-Véjares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “The swift rejection of his actions has crippled his credibility.”

Calls for Yoon’s impeachment have grown louder, with many citizens comparing him to Chun Doo-hwan, a former military dictator whose regime ended in 1987 after mass democratic uprisings.

Uncertain Path Forward

As South Korea wakes to a day of reflection, questions linger about the implications of this political roller coaster. Can Yoon salvage his presidency, or will this event accelerate calls for his removal? For many South Koreans, the events of the past night serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy, even in a nation that has worked tirelessly to shed its authoritarian past.

For now, South Korea’s democracy has endured the test, but the scars left by this political drama may take much longer to heal.

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