Seoul – South Korea’s President Yoon Seok-yeol drew widespread criticism on Tuesday when he declared emergency martial law, the first such measure in more than 40 years. Political experts believe the unprecedented move is rooted in Yoon’s growing political isolation, compounded by numerous scandals, legislative gridlock and growing tensions with rivals and allies.
Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Chang’an University, described martial law as a “crazy last ditch effort.” He believes Yoon’s growing conflict and dwindling political support may prompt him to make what Park calls “extreme choices.”
“The fact that the president declared martial law without consulting advisers demonstrates a clear state of psychological isolation. When people feel cornered, they tend to make ridiculous decisions,” Parker said.
Yoon has faced intense pressure in recent weeks as the opposition-controlled National Assembly is set to vote on a motion to impeach Audit and Inspection Service chief Choi Jae-hae and three key prosecutors. The impeachment motion said officials failed to properly investigate allegations that Yoon’s wife, first lady Kim Kun-hee, was involved in stock manipulation.
The Democratic Party of Korea, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has accused Choi and other prosecutors of bias and negligence in their handling of the investigation into the first lady’s allegations. They also criticized President Choi for refusing to provide documents related to the controversial move of the presidential office to Yongsan in 2022.
After the opposition party won a landslide victory in the April 10 general election, it gained a majority in the legislative body, weakening President Yoon’s authority. Since then, the Yoon administration has struggled to pass its agenda, instead repeatedly vetoing bills passed by the liberal opposition.
Declining recognition, internal conflict
Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to about 17 percent amid a series of scandals, including accusations that the first lady accepted gifts such as a luxury Christian Dior bag worth 3 million won ($2,200) and participated in a stock-price manipulation scheme. Last month, Yoon issued a public apology but refused to authorize a broader investigation into the allegations, further fueling criticism from the opposition.
Mr Yoon’s troubles have been compounded by reports of a clash with Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the ruling People’s Power Party and a once key ally. This internal conflict deepened Yin’s political isolation and put him in increasingly difficult situations.
“Yin is increasingly isolated within the party, while the opposition continues to hold him accountable, forcing him to take extreme measures,” Park noted.
In a televised speech announcing martial law, Yoon claimed that the move was necessary to protect South Korean citizens from “anti-national forces and pro-North Korean followers.” He accused his political opponents of paralyzing the government by impeaching key officials and obstructing the government’s agenda.
Yin declared: “I will eliminate anti-national forces and normalize the country as soon as possible.” Critics believe that Yin’s remarks are trying to regard the opposition as the enemy of the country, further exacerbating this divided political landscape.
Political observers have warned that Yoon’s use of martial law could set a dangerous precedent, undermine democratic norms and erode public trust.
South Korea last declared martial law in 1979, following a military coup following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. The measure has not been invoked since South Korea transitioned to parliamentary democracy in 1987, making Yoon’s decision even more controversial.
