https://adnchronicles.org/2025/02/05/south-korea-shows-the-way/
he world watched stunned as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in his country, a recognized economic powerhouse that had last seen military rule 40 years ago. But last Dec. 3, Yoon had his surprise televised address—aired at around 11 p.m. local time—citing the need to quash the pro-North Korea, anti-state elements threatening the nation.
Within three hours, however, the opposition-dominated National Assembly voted down Yoon’s declaration 190-0 even as military forces blockaded the entrance to the legislature. Angry crowds gathered outside, visibly upset by Yoon’s move. By the crack of dawn, a humiliated Yoon walked back his imposition amid mounting public outrage over what was seen to be an ill-planned power grab.
Yoon is now facing insurrection charges while his aides who helped him carry out the declaration are also facing criminal raps. And after weeks of his supporters and security blocking his arrest, authorities were finally able to march Yoon out of his home on Jan. 15 for questioning. A recent poll has also revealed that 70% of South Koreans want the Constitutional Court to uphold his impeachment.
The swift denouement of this political crisis may come as a surprise to the rest of the world, which is accustomed to protracted conflicts and standoffs. Yet South Koreans “were just as shocked (at the declaration),” said Soo Suh, senior program manager at the Asia Democracy Network, which publishes (Asia Democracy Chronicles) ADC.
“In the past, martial law was easier to be declared because we’re a baby democracy,” Suh said. “But now it’s just so unheard of.”