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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday has sparked widespread criticism, marking the first time in over 40 years that such a measure has been invoked. Political experts suggest that the unprecedented move is rooted in Yoon’s increasing political isolation, compounded by numerous scandals, legislative gridlock and growing tensions with both opponents and allies.
Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator and professor at Jangan University, described the martial law declaration as “a frantic last-ditch effort.” He argued that Yoon’s mounting conflicts and diminishing political support likely drove him to make what Park called “extreme choices.”
“The fact that the president declared martial law without consulting his advisors shows an apparent psychological state of isolation. When people feel cornered, they tend to make absurd decisions,” Park said.
Yoon has faced intense pressure in recent weeks, with the opposition-controlled National Assembly set to vote on a motion to impeach Choe Jae-hae, chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection, and three key prosecutors. The impeachment motion alleges that the officials failed properly to investigate Yoon’s wife, first lady Kim Keon-hee, over allegations of stock manipulation.
