On December 3rd, 2024, Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law for the first time in 40 years. Yoon, a former prosecutor and conservative leader, had already faced criticism during his presidency for his hardline stance on national security and increasing political polarization. Martial law allows the president to utilize military forces to maintain order during wartime, war-like situations, or other major national emergencies. Under martial law, civil rights like freedom of speech can be suspended, and the power of the courts and government can be temporarily limited.
Yoon announced the order on national television, accusing the opposition of being “anti-state” and “trying to overthrow the free democracy” by pushing to impeach members of his cabinet and blocking budget proposals. He also claimed that the country needed separate protection from “North Korean communist forces.” The announcement drew intense, chilling parallels to South Korea’s history of authoritarianism, when martial law was used to silence dissent. It sparked protests across the country, as thousands took to the streets to oppose what they saw as a dangerous return to dictatorship. For many, Yoon’s actions felt like an abuse of power and a direct threat to the democratic freedoms South Koreans had spent decades fighting to protect. The last time martial law was declared was during the Gwangju Uprising in 1980, when the military brutally cracked down on people protesting for democracy. That moment still haunts the country’s history, making Yoon’s announcement feel even more alarming to many citizens and lawmakers.
However, the continuation permits the National Assembly the power to cancel martial law with a majority vote. As soon as Yoon’s declaration was made, lawmakers rushed to the assembly building, some even climbing walls to get past a military blockade, just to meet a quorum. They voted 190 to 0 to lift the order, including 18 members from Yoon’s own party.
The impeachment motion argued that Yoon had overstepped his authority, claiming his decision was unjustified and did not meet the constitutional standard for a severe enough crisis. By suspending political activities and deploying troops to block the Assembly, the motion claimed, Yoon had essentially rebelled against his own government.
The first impeachment vote on December 7 failed after Yoon’s party boycotted the session. A second vote on December 14 passed, this time with the removal of language criticizing his foreign policy, and Yoon was suspended from his duties. The Constitutional Court then had 180 days to review the impeachment and decide whether to officially remove him or restore him to office.
Four months later, after multiple delays, South Korea’s highest court confirmed the impeachment and removed Yoon Suk Yeol from office, officially ending a long period of political uncertainty.
Yoon was indicted in January on charges of insurrection, a crime punishable by imprisonment or even death, though South Korea has not executed anyone in decades. Despite this, Yoon continues to deny any intention of leading an uprising or plotting against the government.
With Yoon’s removal, South Korea now faces the challenge of holding a presidential election within 60 days. Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president.
Even though Yoon has been ousted, tensions have continued to rise in the months that followed. Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets, either protesting or showing support for Yoon. This ongoing unrest has only deepened the divide between conservatives and liberals and heightened the tensions between civilian institutions and the military.
As the country braces for a new election, the question remains: can South Korea heal from this political upheaval, or is the rift already too deep to mend?