South Korea's martial law crisis deepens as president faces impeachment, military suspensions

South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol is under increasing political pressure after his brief and controversial declaration of martial law on December 3 night, which was swiftly reversed hours later in the face of widespread protests and intervention by the National Assembly.

Already weakened by his lame-duck status following the opposition's victory in legislative elections earlier this year, Yoon may now be on the brink of impeachment, with critics labeling the move as an “inept semi-coup,” Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Experts, including Gi-Wook Shin from Stanford University, have called the decision politically disastrous. Seoul National University's Kang Won-taek views Yoon as “politically cornered,” while Sean O'Malley of Dongseo University suggests that Yoon's presidency is “effectively dead,” regardless of the outcome of any impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment in South Korea requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly, followed by approval from the nine-member Constitutional Court. While Yoon’s People Power Party holds 108 seats, 18 members joined the opposition in the 190-0 vote to overturn the martial law declaration, revealing internal party divisions. Some party leaders, including Han Dong-hoon, have condemned the declaration as “unconstitutional.”

The impeachment process would likely require some lawmakers to cross party lines, though political polarization makes this uncertain. Despite the turmoil, O'Malley notes that neither major party holds the public’s trust, which may complicate an opposition victory in a snap election.

The martial law debacle has harmed South Korea's international standing and triggered financial market instability. However, experts like Kang argue that the swift legal response by both the public and politicians highlights the resilience of South Korean democracy, even in the face of such an unprecedented crisis.

Adding to the fallout, three high-ranking military commanders involved in the martial law attempt have been suspended. Lt. Gen. Lee Jin-woo, Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, and Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung were reassigned after criticism regarding the military’s role in the declaration. This move follows growing concerns, especially from the opposition, about the possibility of future martial law declarations.

Military prosecutors have also applied for a travel ban on 10 officials under investigation for treason and other charges linked to the martial law episode, including the three commanders. These officials are expected to cooperate with a special investigation team established by the prosecution.

Yoon’s martial law declaration, was annulled just hours later when the opposition-majority National Assembly voted to reject it. During the process, the military had set up a command under Army Gen. Park An-su, which imposed a political activity ban and mobilized special operations forces to the National Assembly compound.

Earlier, Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho issued an apology for causing public alarm, assuring that the ministry would fully cooperate with investigations conducted by both the prosecution and police.

By Vafa Guliyeva