In a surprising turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on 3 December 2024, ostensibly to combat “anti-state forces” among his political opposition. However, this move faced immediate backlash from lawmakers, leading to its rescindment just hours later.
U.S. Response and Concerns
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States had no prior knowledge of Yoon’s intention. Speaking in Brussels, he emphasised the importance of upholding democratic processes in South Korea, a crucial ally. He noted, “We were not aware…it’s vital that any disputes be resolved peacefully.” Blinken’s comments reflect the deep concern in Washington regarding the implications of Yoon’s actions.
- The martial law declaration created the most significant challenge to South Korean democracy since the 1980s.
- It was unanimously voted down by 190 lawmakers in the National Assembly.
- Protesters gathered outside parliament, calling for Yoon to retract his decision.
The Role of the U.S.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan echoed Blinken’s concerns, stating that the announcement raised alarm bells. “We learned about this from the announcement on television, the same way the rest of the world did,” Sullivan said.
Both Sullivan and other officials have been keeping President Joe Biden informed of the developments. A White House spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. was not notified prior to Yoon’s announcement, which has led to serious apprehension regarding South Korean political stability.
Next Steps for South Korea
Under South Korean law, the president is obligated to lift martial law if the parliament demands it by a majority vote. Yoon’s actions have raised questions about the resilience of South Korea’s democracy and whether political disputes can be resolved without resorting to such measures.
The situation remains fluid, with both domestic and international observers watching closely as developments unfold.