South Korea’s martial law attempt: A chilling echo of military dictatorship

Foreign Policy has published an article offering a comprehensive analysis of the recent attempt by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to declare martial law, a move that was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly.

This episode highlights deep-rooted issues within South Korea's civil-military relations and the persistent influence of military elites in the country’s political landscape. The author draws on historical precedents, particularly the military dictatorship that lasted from 1961 to 1987, to emphasize the fragility of South Korea's democratic system and the potential for such authoritarian actions to recur.

The article begins by framing Yoon’s martial law declaration as a desperate measure by a leader facing dwindling popularity, scandals, and increasing pressure from the elite. Despite the brief nature of the attempted coup, it serves as a stark reminder of the country's turbulent history under military rule. The article delves into the legacy of South Korea's military dictatorship, noting that even after the formal end of military rule in 1987, military influence has persisted, particularly through the dominance of former military officers in key civilian defence roles.

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted is the military’s strong partisan alignment, particularly its historical ties to conservative factions, which has undermined democratic governance. The article also discusses the structural issues within South Korea’s military leadership, including the homogeneity of backgrounds among senior officers, primarily from the Korea Military Academy (KMA), and their affinity for conservative ideologies. This has raised alarms about the military's political neutrality and its potential role in suppressing dissent, as evidenced by the failed martial law attempt.

The piece makes a compelling case for the need to address the enduring influence of military elites on South Korea's civilian governance. It calls for reforms such as diversifying national defence leadership and instituting a moratorium on former military officers holding key civilian defence positions. Additionally, the article stresses the importance of incorporating lessons on democratic civil-military relations into military education to prevent the recurrence of such authoritarian actions.

Ultimately, the article underscores the urgent need for South Korea to confront the remnants of its military dictatorship to ensure that democratic values and civil-military relations remain intact in the future. It serves as both a warning and an opportunity for South Korea to safeguard its democracy by addressing these systemic flaws.