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Six-Hour Martial Law in South Korea: A Flashback to the 1980s Dictatorship Era?

Daniel Kim Views  

The New York Times featured South Korea\'s National Assembly resolution to repeal martial law as its top news story. / Yonhap News
The New York Times featured South Korea’s National Assembly resolution to repeal martial law as its top news story. / Yonhap News

Major U.S. media outlets have closely covered South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration and its subsequent repeal, analyzing the potential domestic and international repercussions in detail.

On Tuesday, major international media outlets provided in-depth analyses of how the incident might affect South Korea’s democracy and its alliance with the United States.

The Washington Post (WP) noted that Yoon’s unprecedented declaration of martial law on Tuesday night brought back memories of the military dictatorship era of the 1980s, sparking anger among many South Koreans. The report further stated that, although the order lasted only six hours, it is likely to significantly impact South Korea, a country known for its vibrant democracy.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that the declaration of martial law triggered political turmoil in one of the United States’ most valued allies in Asia, bringing back memories of an authoritarian regime that suppressed peaceful opposition and established a police state. The article noted that Yoon’s maneuver backfired during a tense night, and by sunrise in Seoul, he had withdrawn the order.

The Associated Press reported that the Yoon administration rescinded martial law after a tense night of political drama, during which the military surrounded the National Assembly as lawmakers voted against military rule. Natalia Slavney, a researcher at the Hudson Institute’s 38 North, commented that the martial law declaration represented a severe regression in democracy, noting that South Korea has a strong history of political pluralism and is well-acquainted with mass protests and swift impeachments.

CNN reported that Yoon’s reversal on martial law came as a response to overwhelming public opposition and noted that impeachment demands related to corruption allegations are expected to intensify further.

There is growing speculation about potential changes in South Korea’s relations with its allies, including the United States. The New York Times (NYT) noted, “The Biden administration has relied on South Korea as a model democracy and a bulwark against North Korea, China, and Russia while strengthening military ties. This incident may pose the greatest challenge to the decades-long bilateral relationship.”

Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, told the New York Times, “Mr. Yoon’s move was an earthquake in domestic politics and would raise doubts about him among allied nations.”

Leading Japanese newspapers also covered South Korea’s martial law declaration on the front pages of their morning editions. Asahi Shimbun’s headline read “South Korean President Declares Martial Law,” accompanied by articles titled “Administrative Paralysis Due to Multiple Impeachment Motions” and “All Political Activities Banned.” The Yomiuri Shimbun also detailed the situation with front-page articles such as “South Korea Declares Martial Law,” “President Yoon Bans Political Activities,” and “Escalating Conflict with the Opposition.”

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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