South Korea’s sudden declaration of martial law is not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of months of turbulent politics and social unrest. The chaos that unfolded in Seoul’s parliament building, with hundreds of armed troops and frantic lawmakers, can be seen in the context of South Korea’s recent tumultuous history.
The country has been grappling with a major demographic crisis, with one of the fastest aging and shrinking populations in the developed world. A nationwide doctors’ strike, sparked by the government’s plan to increase medical school admission caps, has disrupted hospital operations and highlighted the nation’s healthcare woes.
Junior doctors have refused to see patients or attend surgeries, citing concerns that adding more doctors would result in lower incomes. The strike is part of a broader trend of opposition leaders facing corruption claims and investigations, with many former presidents and their family members mired in scandals.
The most recent example is Lee Jae-myung, the current opposition leader who narrowly lost the 2022 election to President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee has been dogged by corruption claims and recently convicted of violating election law. His conviction could potentially harm his case against Yoon’s presidency.
South Korea’s history of forced presidential removals dates back to the 2016 protests that ousted conservative former President Park Geun-hye. Park was impeached, removed from office, and arrested after being found guilty of corruption. Her removal is often cited as a model for Yoon’s own situation, where he faces potential impeachment proceedings.
The martial law declaration has sparked widespread confusion and anger, but it can be seen as part of South Korea’s ongoing struggle to address its deep-seated social and economic issues. As the country navigates this tumultuous period, one thing is clear: the root causes of Yoon’s decision run much deeper than a single incident or event.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-martial-law-context-eb59571aa1ff36ca22f8427b39bb7133