The “Wall Street Journal” sees that South Korea has passed the test of democracy, and the “NZZ” writes about an act of desperation by a failed president. Czech “Lidove noviny” finds that democracy in South Korea still has some catching up to do.
Newspapers on Wednesday commented on the domestic political crisis in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk-yeol briefly declared martial law:
“Wall Street Journal” (New York)
“South Korea’s democracy underwent its biggest test in years on Tuesday as it quickly rejected President Yoon suk-yeol’s dubious declaration of martial law. (…)
Even if the immediate crisis in Seoul is over, the political consequences will remain for some time to come. MPs could try to remove Yoon from office – with uncertain consequences.
South Koreans made sacrifices to maintain their freedom from the North and end authoritarian rule in the 1980s. “Tuesday’s events indicate that democratic culture has taken root, which is positive for one of the US’s most vital allies in the Asia-Pacific.”
“Neue Zürcher Zeitung”
“The declaration of martial law seemed like an act of desperation by a failed president. His party had lost the last parliamentary election and the government’s budget failed due to left-wing opposition. Yoon feels pressured by political opponents and has backed himself into a corner with scandals and mistakes.Week after week, crowds of people march to protest against it. (…)
The country is threatened by its neighbor to the north, which is armed to the teeth. The terrorist regime of Kim Jong Un relishes the idea of destroying the South Korean capital of Seoul. North Korean generals are currently gaining valuable war experience alongside Russian troops. What is needed against the enemy in the north is a credible military deterrent and certainly not a coup.
Yoon Suk Yeol has lost all public trust for his attack on democracy. The military also leaves a dubious impression. Instead of immediately and unambiguously walking away from Yoon, tanks appeared first. South korea only shed its authoritarian history in the 1980s. Since then, democratic South Korea has shown what a free system can achieve.This achievement must be protected by all means.”
“people’s newspaper” (Prague)
“This is happening in a country that is supposed to be a counterpoint to a totalitarian and militaristic North Korea. South Korea has achieved a prestigious position in the progress and production of cars, computers, mobile phones, movies and computer games. It has earned a reputation as a haven of free speech and a cultured democracy. But as you can see, there is clearly a problem somewhere. (…)
The oldest among us, the 80- and 90-year-old generation, will still remember a time when North and South Korea were not so different.The military in South Korea has also had freedom of speech for a long time. And he was not squeamish about resistance. Western-style democracy only took hold after the 1988 Olympics.(…)
Certainly, for three-quarters of a century, South Korea has faced a concrete and threatening danger that is hard to imagine. This is a situation that requires constant vigilance and action. (…) But does that justify the opposition on behalf of North Korea and the anti-state elements?”
“ABC” (Madrid)
“That liberal democracy does not guarantee righteousness that emerged yesterday in South Korea, one of the most progressive and prosperous countries in the world. (…) In his speech,reminiscent of the military dictators of the 1960s and 1970s,Yoon said he had no choice but to impose martial law to protect the constitutional order (…). He accused the opposition of serving the interests of the communist regime in North Korea (…).
The incident also takes place in a region where the example of china’s authoritarian regime is constantly presented as a more effective option to liberal democracy. This week has been dark for his supporters.First of all, (President of the United States) Joe Biden decides to pardon his son Hunter, thereby abusing the prerogative of the presidency in the country that is considered a beacon of constitutional democracy throughout the deep
and yesterday South Korea walked the fine line between the rule of law and dictatorship, reminding us that countries can lose democracy much faster than it takes them to gain it.” (APA/dpa)
What are the main challenges facing South Korea’s democracy following the recent political crisis?
Title: Navigating Political turbulence: An insightful Conversation on South Korea’s Democracy Crisis
Interviewer (Time.news editor): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re delving into an crucial topic concerning the recent political turmoil in South Korea. Joining us is Dr. Min-Jae Park, a political science expert specializing in East Asian politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Park.
Dr.Min-Jae Park: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a critical moment in South Korea’s political landscape.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the recent crisis involving President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law. The Wall street Journal described this as a meaningful test for South Korea’s democracy. In your view, how did the public respond to this crisis?
Dr. Min-Jae Park: The public response was crucial and indicative of a mature democratic society. south Koreans quickly rejected the martial law declaration, demonstrating a strong commitment to the democratic values they fought hard for in the 1980s. This swift action suggests that democratic culture has indeed taken root, as the Wall Street Journal noted.
Interviewer: It’s interesting to note that while some publications celebrate this reaction,others,like the Czech “Lidove noviny,” express skepticism,suggesting that democracy in South Korea still has room for growth. What are your thoughts on this divide in perspectives?
Dr. Min-Jae Park: This divergence highlights the complexity of South Korea’s political landscape. While the rejection of martial law is a positive sign, it’s also true that the roots of democracy can still be fragile. Challenges such as political polarization, public disillusionment, and the authoritarian remnants of the past can hinder democratic progress. So, the skepticism from “Lidove noviny” is valid; there’s still work to be done.
Interviewer: Speaking of challenges, how do you foresee the political consequences of this crisis unfolding? The Wall Street Journal mentioned the possibility of MPs attempting to remove Yoon from office.
Dr. Min-Jae Park: The potential for impeachment or calls for resignation could lead to a significant political shift. However,this presents a double-edged sword: while it could strengthen democratic accountability,it may also lead to further unrest or polarization,particularly if Yoon retains a solid support base. The uncertainty surrounding these consequences makes it a pivotal moment for south Korea.
Interviewer: If we zoom out a bit, what does this moment signify for South Korea as a U.S. ally in the asia-Pacific region?
Dr. Min-Jae Park: South Korea’s ability to navigate this crisis is vital for its role as a U.S. ally.A healthy democracy can foster stability, which is crucial in a region facing tensions, particularly with North Korea. The U.S. has a stake in South Korea’s political health, and a robust democratic response can reinforce their strategic partnership.
Interviewer: Dr. Park,thank you for shedding light on these complex issues. As South Korea grapples with its political future, the resilience of its democracy will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Min-jae Park: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a critical time for South Korea, and I’m hopeful for a path forward that strengthens democratic governance.
Interviewer: And with that, we conclude today’s discussion. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news, and stay informed as we continue to cover key global events.