Experts says martial declaration was a blunder by South Korean president

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s move to declare martial law in an attempt to root out “anti-state” forces has been described as a “blunder” and a possible attempt to “reassert himself” by experts. The short-lived declaration of martial law drew condemnation from opposition lawmakers and sent shockwaves through the country.

Opposition parties have mobilized to impeach President Yoon, with a motion submitted by the liberal opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties. The impeachment process would require the support of two-thirds of the 300-seat parliament and at least six justices of the nine-member constitutional court. The motion could be put to a vote as early as Friday.

Sung-Yoon Lee, a global fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., believes that President Yoon’s declaration of martial law was an attempt to assert his authority amidst opposition to his reform programs. However, the move backfired and was seen as a legal breach and a political own goal.

The martial law declaration, which lasted only six hours, reminded many South Koreans of the country’s past military-backed governments. Despite no major violence being reported, the move caused concern as it harkened back to a time when military authorities used such decrees to quell anti-government demonstrations.

In his speech announcing the declaration, President Yoon vowed to eliminate anti-state forces and accused the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea. Lee warns that North Korea may use this crisis to its advantage, issuing provocative statements and resorting to hostile acts.

If President Yoon is impeached, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over presidential responsibilities. However, the constitutional court, which currently has only six justices following three retirements, would need all six to vote in favor of impeachment to oust Yoon from office. Four of the six justices are Yoon appointees, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

The possibility of President Yoon’s impeachment raises questions about the future of South Korea’s leadership and political stability. The country will be closely watched as it navigates through this crisis and determines the fate of its embattled president.