This story at a glance…

1. President Yoon declared martial law, shocking the nation.

2. Parliament swiftly overturned the decision hours later.

3. Protests and an impeachment bill soon followed.

4. The crisis shook markets and strained global ties.

Impeachment Looms for South Korea’s President Yoon

South Korea is navigating a major political crisis as lawmakers move to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his unexpected and short-lived declaration of martial law. The announcement, made late Tuesday, triggered public outrage, parliamentary rebellion, and international concern, only to be rescinded hours later. The fallout has left South Korea's political landscape shaken and its citizens anxious about the future.

What Happened?
On Tuesday evening, President Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to protect South Korea from "pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and preserve its constitutional order. Martial law temporarily suspends regular law and governance, granting military forces extraordinary power to control the country, often restricting freedoms like speech and assembly. In this case, it would have banned political activity and censored the media.

The announcement was met with swift resistance. Armed troops attempted to enter the National Assembly but were repelled by parliamentary staff using fire extinguishers. Lawmakers quickly convened and unanimously passed a motion to overturn the declaration. Protesters outside the building erupted in celebration, chanting, "We won!" as Yoon rescinded the martial law order just six hours after its imposition, according to the BBC.

Opposition leaders accused Yoon of undermining democracy. “We couldn’t ignore the illegal martial law,” said Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min. “We can no longer let democracy collapse.”

Growing Calls for Impeachment
By Wednesday evening, six opposition parties had submitted an impeachment bill, accusing Yoon of abusing his powers. The bill is set for debate and voting later this week. If passed, the process would move to South Korea’s Constitutional Court for a final ruling.

If Yoon is impeached or resigns, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would act as interim president until new elections are held within 60 days. The opposition parties hold a significant majority in the National Assembly, putting Yoon in a precarious position.

The president’s approval ratings have been stuck around 20% for months, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership style, which critics describe as heavy-handed. His martial law decision, viewed as an overreach, has further eroded public trust..

Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The crisis has unsettled South Korea’s economy, with the stock market dropping 1.4% on Wednesday, making it the worst-performing major market in Asia this year, according to Reuters. The won remains near a two-year low despite interventions by financial authorities.

Internationally, the U.S. expressed concern over the lack of prior notice regarding Yoon’s decision. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the reversal, emphasizing the importance of resolving political disputes peacefully and within the framework of the rule of law.. Meanwhile, China and Russia issued cautious statements, monitoring the developments closely.

Protests and Public Sentiment
In downtown Seoul, thousands gathered for candlelight vigils, demanding Yoon’s resignation, as reported by the BBC. The protests recall the demonstrations that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. Labour unions and civic groups have announced further strikes and demonstrations in the coming days.

Kim Byeong-in, a Seoul resident, voiced his frustration to Reuters. “I’m deeply disturbed by this kind of situation, and I’m very concerned about the future of the country.”

A Fragile Presidency
Yoon’s martial law declaration was the first in South Korea since 1980, during the military dictatorship. Analysts suggest the move may have been an attempt to consolidate power amid plummeting approval ratings and a series of political scandals involving his administration.

Danny Russel, an expert with the Asia Society Policy Institute, described the episode as a "self-inflicted wound," noting that while South Korea avoided a deeper crisis, Yoon’s presidency is now on even shakier ground.

Reflection
This crisis highlights the importance of humility and servant leadership. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Leaders are called to govern with humility, prioritizing the well-being of their people above their own ambitions. When power is used to control rather than uplift, trust and stability are lost. Let us pray for leaders worldwide to govern with wisdom, humility, and a heart for justice.