South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s late-night declaration of martial law, swiftly rescinded following widespread protests and parliamentary intervention, may have severely damaged his political standing.
Already a lame-duck president after the opposition’s electoral victory, Yoon faces calls for resignation or impeachment from opposition lawmakers. Experts describe his actions as a “politically catastrophic decision,” leaving him in a precarious position.
Impeachment requires a supermajority in the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court. Success hinges on cross-party support, a difficult feat given the current political climate. This situation recalls the 2016 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
While Yoon’s party possesses a significant number of seats, a substantial portion opposed the martial law declaration. Party leader Han Dong-hoon criticized the move, suggesting a potential shift in party dynamics.
Rather than defending Yoon, his party may prioritize political calculations and election prospects. However, impeachment isn’t a guaranteed outcome; some believe it could benefit the opposition in subsequent elections.
The Democratic Party’s potential victory isn’t certain, as both major parties suffer from low public trust.
Yoon’s justification for martial law cited opposition lawmakers as “anti-state forces,” a claim mirroring the heightened political polarization in the country.
Analysts highlight the deep-seated political division, characterizing the opposing camps as mortal enemies. The recent events are likely to exacerbate this already tense situation.
Beyond domestic politics, the martial law declaration impacted South Korea’s economy and international standing, leaving the country vulnerable and its reputation damaged.
Conversely, some experts view the public and political response as a testament to Korean democracy’s resilience, showcasing its capacity to overcome significant challenges.
