In a dramatic escalation of political unrest, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has declared martial law in response to widespread protests and scandals that have plagued his administration. The announcement came on December 4, 2024, as thousands took to the streets in Seoul to demand Yoon’s resignation. The protests were sparked by a series of corruption allegations involving high-ranking officials and the President himself. Yoon, in a televised address, stated, ‘We must restore order and ensure the safety of our citizens. This is a necessary step to regain faith in our government.’ The move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, with candidate Lee Jae-myung calling the declaration a ‘shameful overreaction’ that threatens democratic values. Analysts note that this martial law declaration is unprecedented in modern South Korea, raising concerns about potential human rights violations and the erosion of civil liberties. The Yoon administration has faced mounting pressure from opposition figures and civil society as the nation grapples with political discontent and economic challenges, including soaring inflation rates that reached 5.1% recently. Furthermore, public sentiment has turned sharply against Yoon, plunging his approval ratings to an alarming 25%, the lowest since he took office. As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering what this means for South Korea’s democratic processes and the future of Yoon’s presidency.
South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol Declares Martial Law Amid Political Turmoil
