Yoon Suk Yeol’s Controversial Martial Law Bid: A Recap

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing intense backlash after an unprecedented attempt to impose martial law, marking the first such move in over 40 years. Reported by Winbox Malaysia, while the decision was quickly overturned by lawmakers, it has left the nation in political upheaval and sparked widespread protests.

A Nation in Turmoil

Thousands of demonstrators marched towards Yoon's office in central Seoul after rallying in Gwanghwamun Square, demanding his resignation. Opposition lawmakers, who defied armed troops to vote down the martial law, have now filed a motion to impeach the president. With a significant majority in parliament, the opposition could bring the motion to a vote as early as Friday.

The Democratic Party has also accused Yoon and his officials of "insurrection," a charge that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Adding to the pressure, South Korea's largest labor union has declared an indefinite general strike until Yoon steps down.

Yoon’s Justification and Swift Reversal

In a late-night televised address, Yoon cited threats from North Korea and “anti-state forces” as justification for martial law, deploying over 280 troops to lock down parliament. However, the opposition's defiance forced Yoon to rescind his decision just six hours later.

The dramatic reversal was met with jubilation among protesters outside parliament, but the fallout continued. Senior aides and the defense minister offered their resignations, taking responsibility for the crisis.

Calls for Impeachment

Public sentiment against Yoon has grown, with many labeling his actions a grave overreach of power. Demonstrators like Lim Myeong-pan argued that Yoon’s decision was "a serious crime" and called for his impeachment. Others expressed anger and determination, with one protester stating, "I couldn’t sleep a wink last night. Yoon must go."

Strained Relations and Plummeting Approval

The martial law bid has also strained relations with allies, including the United States, which expressed relief at the reversal but criticized the lack of prior notice. Domestically, Yoon’s approval rating has dropped to a dismal 19%, fueled by economic discontent and scandals involving his wife.

The Political Fallout

Political analysts believe Yoon’s actions may have sealed his fate. Gi-Wook Shin, a sociology professor at Stanford University, described the martial law attempt as “a last-ditch move to grab power,” predicting it would hasten Yoon’s political downfall.

As protests intensify and impeachment looms, the future of Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency hangs by a thread.

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