the unexpected martial law imposed by President Yoon has affected large sections of the South Korean population. The threat of war from North Korea is omnipresent. Military skirmishes are taking place repeatedly between North and South Korea. War on the Korean peninsula is a real risk, but no one really wants war.
The president of South Korea has the constitutional right to impose martial law, but imposing it in the current situation is a huge and highly unusual act.
No majority in parliament
Yoon won a narrow victory in the 2022 presidential election. But his conservative party does not have a majority in parliament. So Yoon is unable to implement his ideas and visions. This was demonstrated recently in the parliamentary debate on the budget.There are also allegations of cheating against members of Yoon’s party and against Yoon’s wife.
Security policy implications
South Korea is under the US military shield. The sudden imposition of martial law without changing the threat situation and without notifying the United States in advance harms relations between Seoul and Washington. this is also to change the president in the United States of America.
South Korea wants to improve and strengthen its relationship with US President-elect Donald Trump. This is considering Yoon’s predecessor clashing with Trump during his first term in office. It involved trade issues and compensation for US troops stationed in south Korea.
Yoon incredible
President Yoon is not only popular with the opposition, but also with the population. This is reflected in their low polling numbers. Although the president in South Korea is elected for five years, Yoon’s term of office thus lasts until 2027 on paper.
There are two scenarios: Yoon resigns himself soon or he will be forced to do so. The impeachment process against Yoon will surely gain further impetus after tuesday’s events.