Martial law in South Korea: President Yoon’s emotional decision undermines the Biden Administration’s security legacy

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law in South Korea for the first time since 1980, motivated by the domestic political context rather than military threats from the DPRK.

It lasted for 6 hours, fueling the country’s biggest political crisis since President Park Geun-hye’s ouster (2013-2017). Shortly after lifting martial law, the leftist opposition Democratic Party initiated impeachment proceedings against the President.

Her accusations demonstrably went beyond domestic politics: Yoon Suk Yeol administration was criticized for destroying relations with China, Russia, and the DPRK, involving the state in wars, and making decisions in favor of Japan.