In December 2024, South Korea found itself in a deep political crisis when President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law, only to reverse his decision just five hours later. This sudden move shocked the nation, and the events that followed were nothing short of dramatic. To understand why this happened, we need to look at the situation’s history and what caused this unexpected turn of events.

The Road to Martial Law

The trouble began in 2022, when Yoon Suk-Yeol, a former prosecutor, won South Korea’s presidential election by a razor-thin margin of just 0.73%. From the start, his presidency was filled with challenges. Yoon’s political opponents, especially the Democratic Party, held a strong majority in the National Assembly. This meant that Yoon’s proposed laws and initiatives were often blocked or delayed, leading to a political standstill. Society grew increasingly polarized as both sides battled for control.

In April 2024, parliamentary elections didn’t bring much change. While the conservatives, Yoon’s party, gained a few more votes than before, the Democratic Party still held enough power to push their agenda and block the president’s plans. It became clear that South Korea would continue to face gridlock for the rest of Yoon’s term.

At the same time, the government was pursuing criminal charges against Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party. He was accused of serious corruption, with several witnesses mysteriously dying or disappearing before they could testify. Despite the accusations, Lee managed to avoid jail, and his political influence continued to grow. Meanwhile, tensions between the government and the opposition escalated, with each side accusing the other of trying to destroy the country’s democracy.

The Martial Law Declaration

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon shocked the nation by declaring martial law, citing a threat from North Korea and the so-called “anti-state forces” within South Korea. He accused the opposition of paralyzing the government and causing political chaos. The military was mobilized, and military vehicles rolled into the streets as lawmakers gathered in the National Assembly to vote on whether to approve the decree.

But just five hours after announcing martial law, President Yoon was forced to back down. The National Assembly voted unanimously to rescind the martial law decree. The military withdrew, and Yoon made another address to the nation, stating that he had intended to protect the country but had to lift the law since it was opposed by the parliament.

Why Did Yoon Act So Suddenly?

Yoon’s decision to declare martial law puzzled many. Some believed he had simply lost his nerve in the face of mounting political pressure. Others speculated that his advisors, particularly the Minister of National Defense, had pushed him into making this drastic move. It’s also possible that misinformation or external pressures, such as reports from the U.S. or other countries, influenced his thinking.

One theory is that Yoon was trying to act decisively before things got out of control. However, he misjudged the situation. South Korea’s military today is not the same as it was during previous dictatorships. It is less likely to use force against civilians, and the public would have strongly opposed such actions.

Adding to the confusion, Yoon didn’t inform key members of his government, including the Prime Minister and party leaders, about his decision. This created further tension within the ruling party, and even some of his own supporters condemned the move.

The Aftermath and Political Fallout

Yoon’s decision to declare martial law backfired, and it quickly became a political disaster. The opposition parties seized the opportunity to push for his impeachment, accusing him of overstepping his authority and attempting to establish a dictatorship. By December 4, they had filed a motion to impeach him, and many lawmakers, including some from his own party, supported the motion. This suggests that Yoon’s political career may be on the line.

South Korea’s military and political leaders were also caught off guard by Yoon’s actions, and several high-ranking officials, including his Chief of Staff and National Security Bureau Director, resigned. The government was thrown into disarray, and many feared that the country was headed toward even more instability.

What’s Next for South Korea?

So, what does this all mean for South Korea? For one, the political gridlock isn’t going away anytime soon. The opposition, led by Lee Jae-Myung, is still strong, and the country remains deeply divided. If Yoon’s impeachment succeeds, his presidency may come to an end. However, even if he stays in office, his power will be severely weakened, and the opposition will continue to push their own agenda.

The crisis has also raised questions about South Korea’s relationship with the United States and other global powers. Yoon has been aligned with Washington on many issues, but the martial law incident has created doubt about his leadership. South Korea’s ties with Russia and China could also be affected, as the country faces increasing pressure from both sides.

A Complex Situation

The events of December 3 and 4 are only the latest chapter in South Korea’s long-standing political struggles. The situation is much more complex than it may first appear. Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was reckless, but it wasn’t just a move for power—it was a desperate attempt to deal with a paralyzed political system and the threat posed by the opposition. Whether this marks the beginning of the end for his presidency or merely a temporary setback remains to be seen. What’s clear is that South Korea’s political future is uncertain, and the country will continue to be a hotbed of drama and intrigue for the foreseeable future.