A Dangerous Tantrum

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday, before being forced to reverse it by parliament and protesters hours later, in a dramatic turn of events that threatened the political and economic stability of one of Asia’s most powerful democracies, France24 reported.

In a televised address Tuesday, Yoon told South Koreans that he needed to combat “anti-state,” “pro-North (Korean)” forces and accused the opposition-controlled parliament of paralyzing his administration.

He added that the move was essential in order for him to “rebuild and protect” the nation, accusing the opposition of plotting an insurgency and attempting to destroy the country’s democratic foundations.

“I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, urging citizens to endure “some inconveniences.”

The declaration of martial law – the first since South Korea’s democratization in 1987 following a military dictatorship – bans all political activities, restricts freedom of the press, and grants military authorities the power to arrest violators without arrest warrants.

Yoon’s martial law commander, Army Gen. Park An-soo, announced in a decree that “all news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” warning that those who spread “fake news” could be arrested without a warrant, the New York Times wrote.

Meanwhile, the military broke into parliament and suspended parliamentary activities, citing concerns over “social confusion,” and deployed troops to block lawmakers from entering the legislature.

At the same time, thousands of protesters gathered outside the legislature, chanting “End martial law” and demanding the president’s impeachment as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police. Television footage showed soldiers with rifles stationed near the assembly’s main building as helicopters hovered above.

The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, quickly condemned Yoon’s move as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung accused the president of betraying democracy, while Han Dong-hoon, head of Yoon’s own People Power Party, called the declaration “wrong” and vowed to resist it alongside citizens.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik convened an emergency late-night session three hours after the martial law declaration. Afterward, lawmakers present voted to lift the declaration, the BBC wrote. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly’s grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal.

South Korean law requires Yoon to lift martial law “without delay” if the assembly demands it. A few hours later, he agreed.

Yoon’s moves come amid rising political tensions in the politically divided country. He has struggled to push his agenda in the opposition-controlled legislature: The opposition has used its majority to block Yoon’s budget proposals for next year, preventing the passage of key spending bills. It has also pushed to impeach three top prosecutors, alleging bias in investigations against opposition leader Lee, a potential 2027 presidential candidate.

The opposition has also demanded independent investigations into scandals involving Yoon’s wife and high-ranking officials in his administration, which Yoon has dismissed as politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Yoon, who was elected in 2022, had seen his approval ratings fall below 20 percent in recent weeks, CNBC reported.

Critics described the declaration as a desperate power grab, drawing comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past. Meanwhile, analysts said the unprecedented declaration has thrown South Korea into political chaos, with many wondering about Yoon’s ability to survive politically, the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote.

For example, in a live YouTube broadcast, Lee declared that Yoon had betrayed the people and that, from this moment, he was no longer the president of the Republic of Korea.

Early Wednesday, Yoon faced growing calls for impeachment and a strike by the country’s largest labor union which said it would protest until the president steps down.