Why South Korea has been gripped by political instability

The unfolding political turmoil in South Korea, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law, marks a turning point in the nation’s democratic history. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation and its implications:

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Key Developments

1. Martial Law Declaration

   • On December 3, Yoon declared martial law, citing “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea. However, this justification was quickly discredited as political maneuvering to address his mounting domestic challenges.
   • The announcement was met with immediate backlash, deemed illegal and unconstitutional by politicians, including members of Yoon’s own ruling People Power Party (PPP).

2. Rapid Rejection by Parliament

   • By early Wednesday morning, South Korea’s parliament convened in an emergency session and voted down the declaration with 190 out of 300 lawmakers present. Thousands of citizens protested outside parliament, emphasizing public opposition to authoritarianism.

3. Impeachment Crisis

   • Yoon’s declaration, coupled with his growing use of veto powers and the opposition’s momentum, led to his impeachment on December 14.
   • Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed acting presidential duties but faced his own impeachment shortly after, escalating the political chaos.

4. Economic and Institutional Fallout

   • The Korean won experienced a sharp decline, reflecting investor concerns over instability. The government remains in limbo as Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok steps in as acting president amid uncertainty about his longevity in the role.

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Why Did Yoon Act?

President Yoon’s martial law gambit appears to stem from desperation rather than necessity. Key triggers include:

• Political Isolation: Relegated to a “lame duck” status, Yoon faced an emboldened opposition that blocked his budget, moved to impeach his cabinet members, and investigated his wife for alleged misconduct.
• Loss of Support: Public opinion had turned sharply against him, with three-quarters of South Koreans favoring his impeachment.
• Historical Echoes: The move to impose martial law recalled South Korea’s authoritarian past, further alienating the population.

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Public and Political Reaction

The fallout has been swift and severe:

• Mass Protests: Tens of thousands demonstrated against Yoon, calling his actions a betrayal of democracy.
• Parliamentary Opposition: The liberal Democratic Party (DP) spearheaded the impeachment efforts, leveraging its majority to remove both Yoon and Han from office.
• Ruling Party Disarray: The PPP’s internal divisions became evident, with some members siding with the opposition to pass impeachment motions.

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What’s Next for South Korea?

1. Constitutional Court Decision

   • Yoon’s impeachment will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, where at least six out of six judges must agree to uphold it. The outcome remains uncertain due to a lack of a full bench.
   • The opposition’s attempt to appoint additional judges was blocked by the now-impeached acting president Han, adding another layer of complexity.

2. Economic Stability

   • The government’s focus is now on calming financial markets and ensuring continuity in governance. However, prolonged instability could have long-term economic consequences.

3. Democratic Resilience

   • South Korea’s democracy faces a critical test. The swift parliamentary rejection of martial law and Yoon’s impeachment highlight the strength of its institutions, but repeated leadership changes risk eroding public trust.

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Conclusion

South Korea’s political crisis underscores the fragility of even the most established democracies when leaders resort to drastic measures in response to political challenges. The next steps, particularly the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, will determine the trajectory of governance in one of Asia’s most influential nations. For now, the focus must remain on restoring stability, addressing public grievances, and reaffirming democratic principles.