Why did South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol declare and reverse martial law within hours?

South Korea's Night of Political Chaos: Martial Law and Its Reversal

Overview

South Korea faced a dramatic political crisis on December 3, 2024, as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats from North Korea and internal anti-state elements.

Key Highlights

• Declaration of Martial Law: President Yoon announced the measure in a late-night televised address, marking the first such declaration since 1980.
• Justifications: Yoon cited threats from North Korea's communist forces and accused the opposition Democratic Party of obstructing governance.
• Reversal: Within six hours, Yoon retracted martial law following widespread backlash and protests.

Political Reactions

• The Democratic Party called the move an attempted insurrection and demanded Yoon’s immediate resignation, threatening impeachment proceedings.
• South Korea's main labor unions initiated an indefinite general strike.
• Yoon's People Power Party criticized his actions as tragic and called for accountability.

International Responses

• The United States, with troops stationed in South Korea, initially expressed grave concern but later welcomed the reversal.
• China advised its citizens to exercise caution, and Russia described the situation as alarming.

Context

The crisis follows declining approval ratings for Yoon, fueled by dissatisfaction over economic management and controversies involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.

Impact

The episode has deepened political divisions and raised serious questions about Yoon's leadership as South Korea navigates domestic and regional challenges.