In an unprecedented move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in his country for six hours on a fateful Tuesday night. The unusual and dramatic decision, which involved military forces surrounding the country’s parliament and army vehicles parading the streets of Seoul, was blamed on North Korea, a country with whom South Korea has had a long-standing enmity. However, as events unfolded and the situation de-escalated, it became clear that the martial law was not just about national security concerns but tied to a political scandal that had spiralled out of control.
The Handbag Scandal and Its Aftermath
The series of events that led to martial law began several months earlier when South Korea’s First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, was caught accepting an expensive Dior handbag worth $2200 (approximately 1.86 lakh South Korean Won). A sting operation conducted by a left-wing YouTuber exposed her receiving the luxurious gift. In South Korea, where corruption scandals have historically rocked the political elite, the incident quickly gained traction. Kim was accused of using her influence to interfere in government affairs, including manipulating official appointments and transfers, as well as receiving bribes.
The public outcry was immediate, with South Koreans taking to the streets to demand accountability. In response to mounting pressure, President Yoon’s administration cleared his wife of any wrongdoing. This was not enough to appease the opposition, which pushed for an impeachment motion against government officials responsible for absolving Kim. With tensions escalating, the situation took a dramatic turn when, on the night of December 3, 2024, Yoon imposed martial law in an attempt to suppress dissent and curb the growing opposition.
A Martial Law Decree: The Political Context
At the heart of the martial law declaration was the growing political crisis. President Yoon’s party had lost its majority in the National Assembly, and the opposition parties had managed to block crucial budget proposals, jeopardizing the government’s legislative agenda. Furthermore, the opposition’s push for impeachment against President Yoon and his administration put immense pressure on him. Fearing the potential collapse of his government, Yoon resorted to drastic measures, accusing opposition leaders of sympathizing with North Korea and being involved in anti-national activities.
In his late-night address, President Yoon declared martial law and justified it by claiming that the opposition’s actions were endangering national security. The announcement saw the army taking control of the streets, with military vehicles surrounding the National Assembly building in the heart of Seoul. For a brief period, opposition lawmakers found themselves locked in a standoff with soldiers who attempted to block their entry into parliament.
The Public Backlash and Withdrawal of Martial Law
However, the military presence in Seoul quickly escalated tensions. Thousands of South Korean citizens, already frustrated by political instability, took to the streets in protest. The sight of soldiers occupying the parliament building and clashing with opposition leaders only fuelled public anger. This widespread discontent, along with growing international scrutiny, forced President Yoon to retract his martial law declaration by 4 AM the following morning.
The public’s role in this crisis was pivotal. Faced with protests on the streets of Seoul and opposition MPs defying the military’s presence, the soldiers were forced to withdraw, and the parliamentary session continued. In the aftermath, President Yoon’s administration was left scrambling to contain the fallout. Several cabinet ministers, including the defence minister, resigned in protest, and the entire episode underscored the increasing instability within South Korea’s political system.
A Return to Martial Law: A Troubling Precedent
This was not the first time South Korea had faced martial law. The last occurrence was in 1980, following a military coup that led to the temporary suspension of democratic processes. Though democracy was restored in the 1990s, political instability, corruption, and corruption scandals have continued to plague the country’s leadership. The latest incident under President Yoon’s leadership marks a worrying recurrence of such crises and raises questions about the vulnerability of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
The martial law episode also highlighted a growing divide between South Korea’s capitalist government and the opposition parties, as well as persistent tensions with its northern neighbour, North Korea. While North Korea’s provocations remain a central issue for South Korea’s security, it is clear that internal political dynamics also play a significant role in the country’s fragile stability.
The Impeachment Threat and Future Implications
In the wake of this crisis, opposition parties have vowed to bring forward impeachment proceedings against President Yoon, arguing that his actions were an abuse of power. If the motion passes in the National Assembly and is upheld by South Korea’s Supreme Court, Yoon would be forced to step down from his post, marking another chapter in the country’s history of political upheaval.
Further complicating matters, the misuse of the military during the martial law period could expose President Yoon to legal consequences, as such actions may violate South Korea’s laws on the use of military force for political purposes. Given South Korea’s strained relationship with North Korea, the situation could have broader geopolitical ramifications, especially with the presence of US military forces in the country, which provide South Korea with nuclear deterrence against its northern neighbour.
The Martial Law Incident and South Korea’s Fragile Democracy
The martial law imposition in South Korea, though brief, has exposed deep cracks within the country’s political system.