South Korea, specifically its president, Yoon Suk Yeol, shocked the world when martial law was declared at the beginning of December. For the first time in 40 years, citizens witnessed an attempt by the armed forces to seize parliament and eliminate political competition. The state of emergency ultimately lasted only six hours. However, the consequences for the entire nation are unfathomable. The president has been stripped of his powers, faces charges of treason, and is the subject of an arrest warrant. The country also continues to spiral deeper into a political crisis that has persisted for over a decade. In the current chaotic situation, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish who is defending democracy and who seeks to seize power.

Key Takeaways:

• President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country. He accused the opposition Democratic Party of sympathizing with totalitarian North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities.
• Lawmakers, followed by the government, annulled the state of emergency. Martial law was in effect for six hours. However, the political crisis continues to this day.
• Yoon faces serious accusations, and an arrest warrant has been issued. Parliament has stripped him of his powers (just like his successor), and now the Minister of Finance is ‘ruling’ the country. The Constitutional Court will decide on the further steps.

Policy brief – Irena Krcháková

The analysis is in PDF under the link below.