Turmoil In South Korea

The Resistance Hub

South Korea is currently embroiled in a profound political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s abrupt declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. This unprecedented move, aimed at countering alleged “anti-state forces,” was swiftly annulled by the National Assembly, leading to widespread public protests and calls for Yoon’s resignation. The declaration temporarily suspended legislative activities and press freedoms, marking the first such action since the country’s transition to democracy in the late 20th century. Its swift reversal underscored the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions but also deepened political divisions, with opposition leaders pushing for Yoon’s immediate removal. At the same time, his supporters accused them of orchestrating a power grab.

Declaration of Martial Law

On the night of December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during a televised address, accusing the opposition Democratic Party (DPK), which holds a majority in the National Assembly, of conducting “anti-state activities” and collaborating with “North Korean communists” to undermine the nation. The decree prohibited political activities, including gatherings of the National Assembly and local legislatures, and suspended the free press. ​

Yoon’s declaration marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since 1980, during the military dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan. The move was met with immediate resistance from opposition leaders and civil society, who viewed it as an attempt to suppress democratic institutions and civil liberties. ​

National Assembly’s Response

In defiance of the martial law declaration, the National Assembly convened an emergency session in the early hours of December 4, 2024. Despite attempts by military and police forces to block access to the Assembly chamber, 190 legislators managed to convene and unanimously voted to demand the lifting of martial law. According to Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, the president must comply with the National Assembly’s decision to end martial law. Following the vote, President Yoon lifted the declaration around 4:00 am KST on December 4. ​en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4pt.wikipedia.org

Public Outcry and Protests

The declaration and subsequent annulment of martial law sparked widespread public outrage. Thousands of citizens took to the streets, particularly around the National Assembly building in Seoul, to protest against President Yoon’s authoritarian overreach. Protesters, including those who had witnessed past democratic movements, expressed fears of a regression into authoritarianism reminiscent of South Korea’s past military rule. ​theguardian.com

Political Repercussions

The martial law declaration severely undermined President Yoon’s political standing. On December 14, 2024, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, with 204 out of 300 lawmakers supporting the motion. Among those who voted in favor were 12 members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP), indicating significant fractures within the ruling party. Yoon’s suspension from the presidency went into effect immediately, pending a final ruling by the Constitutional Court on whether to confirm his removal from office.

Following Yoon’s impeachment, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president. However, on December 27, 2024, the National Assembly also impeached Han for refusing to promulgate bills for special counsel investigations into Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee and for blocking the appointment of three justices to the Constitutional Court. This unprecedented move left Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as the acting president and prime minister, highlighting the deepening political crisis.

Legal Proceedings

Legal actions intensified against key figures involved in the martial law attempt. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who allegedly advised the martial law declaration, was arrested on charges related to the insurrection. Additionally, National Police Commissioner Cho Ji-ho and Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief Kim Bong-sik were arrested on insurrection charges for their roles in the martial law declaration.

On December 31, 2024, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon on charges relating to his martial law declaration, making him the first sitting president of South Korea to be issued an arrest warrant. Yoon was detained in mid-January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection following the failed attempt to impose martial law. However, on March 7, 2025, a South Korean court revoked the detention warrant against Yoon, potentially leading to his release despite the serious ongoing criminal charges. The court highlighted procedural errors in Yoon’s indictment, including counting detention periods incorrectly and improperly dividing detention periods among investigative bodies.

Economic Impact

The political instability has had immediate economic repercussions. Financial markets reacted with increased volatility; the South Korean won weakened significantly, particularly against the US dollar, leading the Bank of Korea to hold its interest rate at 3% despite economic sluggishness. The re-election of Donald Trump as US President and his threats of increased trade tariffs have posed additional risks to South Korea’s export-driven economy. Furthermore, political instability undermines efforts to address these economic issues and weakens business confidence.

International Relations

South Korea’s political turmoil has raised concerns among its allies, particularly the United States and Japan. The crisis threatens to disrupt diplomatic efforts and regional security initiatives, especially in addressing threats from North Korea. A potential shift in leadership could lead to changes in foreign policy, affecting alliances and strategies concerning North Korea, China, and Russia. The instability in South Korea and political challenges in neighboring countries complicate efforts to maintain strong, reliable alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

Democratic Resilience

Despite the upheaval, South Korea’s democratic institutions have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The swift annulment of martial law by the National Assembly and the active engagement of civil society through mass protests highlight the strength of democratic norms within the country. The judiciary’s willingness to investigate and prosecute key figures involved in the crisis further reinforces the rule of law, signaling that no individual, regardless of rank, is above constitutional accountability. However, the crisis has also exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in executive overreach and political polarization. The ability of South Korea’s democracy to withstand such a shock depends on whether institutions can maintain their independence amid growing factionalism and whether the electorate continues to demand transparency and accountability from its leaders. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, the coming months will be a critical test of its democratic durability and political stability.

Conclusion

South Korea’s political crisis, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unprecedented declaration of martial law, has tested the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions. While the National Assembly’s swift annulment of martial law and the public’s mobilization against authoritarian overreach reaffirm South Korea’s democratic foundations, the turmoil has left lasting political, economic, and legal challenges. The impeachment of Yoon, ongoing legal proceedings, and fractures within the ruling party signal a prolonged period of instability. As South Korea navigates this unprecedented crisis, the nation’s ability to restore confidence—both domestically and internationally—will depend on the rule of law, institutional integrity, and the commitment of its leaders to uphold democratic principles.