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\nSouth Korea\u2019s extreme political polarization and acrimony put its democracy to the test when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, in an apparent preemptive move to prevent opposition parties from stymieing his presidency with budget cuts and the impeachment of key officials.
In such a crisis, democratic institutions demonstrated their resilience, a strength that has safeguarded the country\u2019s young, but vibrant democracy, experts and observers said Wednesday.
Political commentator Park Chang-hwa said that, in the end, the swift resolution of the martial law standoff within just six hours was the result of both the parliamentary system\u2019s checks and balances and the people\u2019s right to resist.
\u201cDuring the process of blocking the martial law declaration, the media closely scrutinized events, the National Assembly convened swiftly, and when lawmakers climbed fences and engaged in physical struggles, citizens stepped in to support them,\u201d he told The Korea Herald. \u201cBecause all of this happened quickly, the situation could be contained at an early stage.\u201d
At 10:28 p.m. on Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law in an urgent public address. The military immediately transitioned to a martial law command structure and issued orders which, among other things, prohibited \u201call political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations,\u201d and placed all media and publications under the control of the martial law command.
The parliament moved swiftly.
The speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-shik, said, \u201cThe National Assembly will respond in accordance with constitutional procedures,\u201d and appealed to his fellow lawmakers: \u201cAll members of the National Assembly, please convene in the plenary chamber immediately.\u201d
The leaders of the ruling and opposition parties, who are usually at odds, joined forces, strongly criticizing Yoon\u2019s decree.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, stated, \u201cThe president\u2019s declaration of martial law is wrong.\u201d Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, echoed, \u201cThe people did not authorize President Yoon\u2019s martial law.\u201d
By 1 a.m. Wednesday, the Assembly passed a resolution demanding the revocation of martial law with unanimous support from the 190 lawmakers present.
\u201cI truly believe it was the people who stopped it,\u201d Park said. \u201cIf the aides and the public hadn\u2019t been able to block it, there could have been a situation where a few lawmakers were detained, resulting in a lack of a majority. If that had happened, it\u2019s hard to imagine what could have unfolded.\u201d
The events highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of South Korea\u2019s democratic system. While the swift actions of media, lawmakers and citizens showcased the vitality of its institutions, experts argue the Constitution\u2019s provisions on martial law remain vulnerable to misuse.
Experts stated that despite the current situation not being a wartime scenario as defined by the Constitution, the president\u2019s arbitrary interpretation could once again instill fear and anxiety among the public.
\u201cThis incident reveals the need for constitutional reform,\u201d said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University. \u201cThe process for lifting martial law must be more immediate, and safeguards against arbitrary declarations should be strengthened.\u201d
Also, the intensifying acrimony between Yoon and his liberal foes in the parliament, leading up to Tuesday\u2019s martial law declaration, underscored a critical absence of political dialogue and compromise \u2013 a key element essential for any functioning democracy.
Ever since Yoon\u2019s inauguration, South Korea has seen a recurring cycle of the opposition\u2019s unilateral passage of contentious bills and Yoon\u2019s persistent use of veto power.
Since taking office, Yoon has vetoed 25 bills \u2014 a record high for any president since the nation\u2019s democratization. This figure is surpassed only by former President Syngman Rhee, who vetoed 45 bills during his 12-year tenure.<\/p>\n