Further South Korea martial law protests as ex-defence minister and senior police arrested
GuardianDEC 2024
South Korea: Police Raid Presidential Office, Ex-Minister Attempts Suicide
Above: Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on Dec. 4 2024, after South Korea Pres. Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. Image copyright: UNG YEON-JE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Yoon's poorly timed decree was an illegal power grab and attempted coup that warrants criminal prosecution. With a long history of military-authoritarian rule, the country can't afford leadership mired in uncertainty. The depths of his political miscalculation have tested the resilience of South Korea's democracy and underscored the need for Yoon to relinquish his post and face the law for the greater good of the country.
Narrative B
The martial law declaration was necessary to protect South Korea from North Korean threats and maintain domestic stability. However, Yoon didn't wrest absolute authority by whatever means necessary; instead, he quickly rescinded the decree when it became clear it lacked public support. The country would be plunged into greater uncertainty if a patriot — who can defend himself before the Constitutional Court and is committed to the unification of the Korean peninsula — is impeached.