South Korea’s Shortest Martial Law: President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Shocking Move Sparks a Democracy Crisis in Seoul
South Korea faced an unprecedented political crisis as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, marking the country’s most significant challenge to democracy since the 1980s. Justifying the move as necessary to counter “anti-state forces,” Yoon’s actions drew swift condemnation from lawmakers, including members of his own party, and triggered mass protests outside parliament. Within hours, the National Assembly voted unanimously to nullify the declaration, forcing Yoon to lift martial law early Wednesday morning.
The controversial decision comes amid mounting political scandals, plummeting public support, and an embattled presidency. Critics accuse Yoon of using martial law to suppress dissent and cling to power, further destabilizing South Korea’s fragile political landscape. While parliament’s decisive rejection of military rule underscores the strength of the country’s democratic institutions, the episode has left President Yoon’s leadership hanging by a thread, with calls for his resignation or impeachment growing louder.