Yoon Survives Martial Law Miscue in South Korea – Asia Sentinel

After a surprising turn of events involving South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s hasty attempt to declare martial law on December 3, the ruling People Power Party’s efforts to shield him from impeachment seem to be holding—for now. Impeaching Yoon would require significant defections from his own party, which is unlikely given the current political landscape.

Yoon’s dwindling popularity, now at a record low of 13 percent according to the Korea Gallup Poll, has sparked international condemnation. Despite this, his die-hard allies continue to support him. The opposition coalition led by the Democratic Party is determined to regain power and has been relentless in its efforts to discredit Yoon’s government.

The key issue underlying this political crisis is corruption. Yoon’s wife is facing serious allegations, and the opposition is calling for an independent investigation—which the ruling party opposes. Meanwhile, Lee Jae Myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, is embroiled in his own corruption scandals. The fierce polarization between the two major parties has exacerbated the situation.

Yoon’s recent attempt to impose martial law was met with widespread disapproval, as most South Koreans are wary of any return to military rule. His statement about “anti-state forces” disrupting the country’s democratic order fell flat and seemed out of touch with the political climate. The ongoing power struggle between the ruling party and the opposition has left the country deeply divided.

Looking ahead, Yoon’s survival in office remains uncertain. The implications of this crisis could extend beyond domestic politics, affecting South Korea’s relationships abroad. With the United States facing its own political uncertainties, the future of bilateral and multilateral cooperation hangs in the balance.

The standoff between Yoon and his opponents underscores the deep-rooted challenges facing South Korea’s democracy. As the country grapples with corruption allegations and political upheaval, the resilience of its democratic institutions will be put to the test. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the path forward for South Korea and its embattled leadership.