South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law on Tuesday, blaming “anti-state forces” planning to overthrow the government.
Yoon had previously complained of media and opposition groups pushing false information to subvert society, but gave no indication he would take such drastic measures.
Yoon’s action reversed decades of South Korean democratization from its authoritarian past and undermined his legitimacy. North Korea was unlikely to take military advantage of the turmoil in South Korea, but will glean propaganda victories.
Though Yoon quickly rescinded his declaration, his action could lead to his impeachment. At a time when the United States is calling on regional partners to push back harder against the China threat, South Korea will be now be a less reliable partner.
Yoon claimed he imposed martial law to “protect liberal…
