By The South Asia Times

SEOUL - South Korea has plunged into a political crisis following President Yoon Suk-yeol's controversial attempt to impose a brief period of martial law on Tuesday night.

The move, widely perceived as an overreach of executive power, was swiftly countered by the National Assembly, which revoked the emergency decree and passed a motion.

The unfolding drama has sparked nationwide debates about democratic governance, executive authority, and the balance of power in the country.

The crisis erupted when President Yoon, citing unspecified threats to national security and public order, announced a brief imposition of martial law. The declaration, made without prior consultation with the legislature, granted extraordinary powers to the military, including authority to oversee law enforcement, censor media, and restrict public gatherings.

Government officials claimed the move was necessary to counter rising tensions over domestic protests and external security challenges. However, critics argued that the justification was vague, raising suspicions that the decision aimed to suppress growing political dissent and consolidate presidential control.

The declaration immediately sparked uproar among opposition lawmakers, civic groups, and large segments of the public. Many viewed it as a stark violation of democratic principles, with some drawing comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past under military regimes.

The National Assembly, dominated by opposition parties, convened an emergency session hours after the martial law decree was announced. Lawmakers argued that the president had overstepped constitutional bounds and acted without clear evidence of a legitimate threat.

In a historic move, the Assembly voted overwhelmingly to revoke the martial law order. Additionally, 

"This is not just about one decision. It is about safeguarding the integrity of our democracy," said Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, during the heated debate in the Assembly. "The president cannot act unilaterally to undermine the principles we have fought so hard to build."

Public Backlash and Protests

News of the martial law declaration and its subsequent revocation ignited protests across the country. In Seoul, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Gwanghwamun Square, waving banners demanding President Yoon’s resignation and accountability.

"This is a betrayal of the democratic values our nation stands for," said Kim Ji-eun, a student protester. "We cannot allow any leader to take us back to an era of oppression and fear."

Civic organizations and human rights groups also expressed alarm over the incident, calling for reforms to prevent such unilateral actions by future presidents.

President Yoon and his aides defended the decision, insisting that the martial law attempt was made in the interest of national security. In a televised address, Yoon stated, "I acted out of duty to protect our citizens and sovereignty. Misinterpretations of this action are unfortunate."

However, the damage to his administration’s credibility appears significant. 

Analysts suggest that Yoon's approval ratings, already under pressure due to economic challenges and policy controversies, may plummet further. 

Six opposition parties also submitted bill for impeachement of President Yoon in the parliament and voting expected on Friday or Saturday.

Implications for South Korea’s Democracy

The crisis has sparked nationwide debates about the balance of power in South Korea’s democracy. While the National Assembly’s decisive action demonstrated the strength of legislative checks on executive authority, the incident also highlighted vulnerabilities in the political system.

Legal experts have urged a review of constitutional provisions related to emergency powers to prevent potential abuses. "This episode serves as a wake-up call," said Professor Park Min-ho, a constitutional law scholar. "We must ensure that no leader, regardless of their intentions, can bypass democratic norms and institutions."