South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has declared martial law, a drastic and rare measure that transfers control of the state to military authorities. This act, announced in a televised message, has triggered a political and social crisis in the country.
The last time martial law was invoked in South Korea was in 1979, during a period of coups and dictatorships.
What does martial law entail?
Martial law is a governance mechanism for extreme situations that temporarily suspends civil authority and transfers executive and judicial power to military command.
Restrictions on civil rights: Freedoms such as assembly, demonstration and press are limited. In the case of South Korea, the authorities have announced that all protests and parliamentary activities are prohibited.
Media control: The press is under strict surveillance, and the dissemination of “fake news” or propaganda considered subversive can be punished.
Expanded powers for the armed forces: They have the power to arrest, search and detain without the need for court orders. According to Article 9 of South Korean Martial Law, these actions are justified in times of crisis.
Suspension of political activities: All activities of political parties are suspended, and Parliament cannot operate normally.
The context behind the decision
Yoon’s statement comes after pressure from the opposition. Since losing its parliamentary majority in April’s general election, Yoon’s government has faced constant legislative blockages from the opposition, led by the Democratic Party.
Yoon and his administration have been implicated in various scandals, including accusations against the first lady for accepting luxury gifts and stock manipulation.
The opposition that controls the budgets has presented very small figures that directly affect the government’s priorities. Likewise, they have tried to unseat important members of the government by accusing them of bias in critical investigations.
Against this backdrop, Yoon justifies martial law as a measure to “protect freedom and democracy” in South Korea, accusing his opponents of being pro-North Korea and threatening the constitutional order.
The immediate future of the country is uncertain. Although martial law is designed as a temporary measure, its duration depends on the resolution of the political conflict or the ability of Parliament to revoke it. However, the police barrier in front of Parliament complicates any attempt by legislators to reverse the situation.
