President Yoon Suk Yeol Declares Martial Law in South Korea

Exploring The Destructive Impact On Society, Economy, And The Lives of Population

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korea-yoon-suk-yeol-lawmakers-call-impeachment-martial-law-rcna182769 

My parents used to tell me that “history repeats itself.” While this message once seemed overly simplistic to me, recent events in South Korea have brought it vividly to life.

The voice of citizens, the cornerstone of democracy, has played an integral part in South Korea since the birth of the Republic of Korea in 1948. The word “democracy,” derived from Greek words that mean the rule (kratos) of the people (demos), represents commitment to protecting the people of South Korea. While the history lesson here may appear out of place, the gravity of the current situation in South Korea warns us once again of the looming dangers of dictatorship. 

Around 11 pm (KST) on December third, President Yoon shocked the nation in his unannounced live-televised address, declaring martial law for the first time in the country since 1980. Citing “anti-state” and “communist forces” as a threat to the freedom of South Korea, Yoon sent waves of disbelief through the world. While martial law is typically declared under a national emergency, such as the Korean War in 1950 and the military coup in 1980 following the assassination of the Korean president in 1979, Yoon’s declaration was strictly driven by his corrupt desire to maintain power amidst sharply declining support in his cabinet. 

Under the proclamation, the measures implemented included the following: prohibition of any form of political activity, control of all media and publication, banning of gatherings and strikes, medical personnel who were on strikes to return to their duties within 48 hours. Most importantly, the military took the place of civilian government, stripping away the authority of legislative, executive, and judicial branches. President Yoon could infringe the right to the “freedom of speech, publication, assembly and association” and was capable of arresting individuals or associations without any special warrants. Such measures took immediate effect. 

In an attempt to nullify President Yoon’s declaration, members of Congress gathered around the National Assembly to vote against martial law. Setting another step towards military dictatorship and authoritarianism, the Ministry of Defense led by President Yoon sent more than 250 fully armed special forces to shut down the congregation. Fortunately, however, a rapid vote, with 190 agreeing out of 190 attendants–even including President Yoon’s own political party People Power Party’s (PPP) chief representative Han. This reaction, driven by a keen desire for democracy, lifted martial law and ended one of the most unprecedented events in South Korean history. 

Clearly, President Yoon’s declaration is unjustifiable by any means. Following the general election in early April, Yoon’s political party (PPP) faced an outstanding defeat against the opposition party (Democratic Party of Korea). The People Power Party only took 36% of the seats in the Assembly. This loss was primarily due to the increasing controversy over Yoon’s corruption in his career and his First Lady’s forgery alongside the economic burden on citizens. Clearly, President Yoon’s decisions threatened Korean democracy that’s been maintained over the last 40 years. 

Another devastating consequence of President Yoon’s action was the severe impact on the economic sector of South Korea. Due to the withdrawal of dollars and the decline in foreign investors, the exchange rate of Dollars to Won recorded the highest in the past decade, reaching 1,440 won per dollar. Similarly, the stock prices of Korean companies plummeted, reflecting increased financial instability. In the midst of an economic downturn from past-Covid recovery, President Yoon’s poor decision, without any doubt, caused extreme chaos. 

By threatening the lives and freedom of its people through authoritarian control, the basic rights of South Koreans may have been permanently gone by one night. Although it is unlikely, President Yoon’s possible “second” declaration of martial law in the future may destroy democratic South Korea and turn it into an authoritarian regime. Instead of taking a passive stance, this incident in South Korea must act as a reminder to recognize the importance of freedom of speech and fundamental rights granted to members of any nation.