South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, but reversed his decision just hours later after lawmakers voted to block it. The move outraged many in the country and sparked painful memories of past military rule.
Yoon’s declaration came amid tensions between the government and opposition parties over alleged anti-state activities linked to North Korea. However, experts say that a president with Yoon’s conservative background would have faced significant challenges in imposing martial law.
The president’s approval ratings had plummeted after several scandals, including the relocation of the presidential office and controversy surrounding his response to a crowd crush during Halloween last year. The opposition parties are now calling for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment, which could lead to a constitutional crisis.
Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can be declared in times of war or national emergency to maintain public safety and order. However, the decree was suspended by lawmakers just hours after it was signed, and Yoon announced he would lift the order and withdraw troops.
The incident has raised questions about the limits of presidential power in South Korea, a country that has made significant progress towards democracy since the 1980s. The Gwangju massacre, which occurred during martial law in 1980, remains a painful memory for many Koreans, with hundreds of pro-democracy activists killed by special forces.
The declaration and subsequent reversal have sparked concerns about the rule of law and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in South Korea.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/03/what-is-martial-law-south-korea