Why in the News?

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to declare martial law on December 3 caused a crisis, but the National Assembly rejected it. On December 14, he was impeached, leading to a long legal fight in South Korea’s Constitutional Court.

What Led to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Declaration of Martial Law?

Political Frustration: Facing increasing opposition and a loss of support from the National Assembly after the April 2024 elections, Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, in a desperate attempt to maintain control amid growing dissent against his administration’s policies and allegations of corruption involving his wife.
Opposition Assertiveness: The opposition parties gained significant power in the National Assembly, securing 192 out of 300 seats. Their assertive stance against Yoon’s government exacerbated tensions, prompting him to take extreme measures to suppress dissent.
Failed Military Response: Despite sending military and police forces to various locations, including the National Assembly, their reluctance to act against peaceful protests highlighted the lack of support for Yoon’s decision. The National Assembly members voted overwhelmingly against martial law, leading to its withdrawal shortly after its declaration.

How Has the Political Landscape Changed Following the Impeachment Proceedings?

Increased Polarization: The impeachment motion against Yoon, which passed with 204 votes in favour on December 14, 2024, reflects deepening political polarization in South Korea.
- The ruling People Power Party (PPP) faced internal conflict over how to respond to the impeachment, indicating fractures within conservative ranks.
Opposition Power Dynamics: The opposition has gained momentum and confidence following the successful impeachment motion. This shift has allowed them to challenge Yoon’s policies more aggressively and seek accountability for alleged corruption within his administration.
Public Sentiment: Yoon’s popularity has plummeted due to his handling of both domestic and foreign policies, as well as controversies surrounding his wife. This decline has strengthened the opposition’s position and increased public demand for accountability.

What are the potential implications of this crisis for South Korea’s democratic institutions?

Erosion of Democratic Norms: The use of martial law and aggressive tactics against political opponents raises concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in South Korea. Such actions could set a precedent for future administrations to bypass democratic processes in times of political strife.
Judicial Independence at Stake: The ongoing impeachment proceedings will be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which may face pressure from public opinion and political factions. The outcome could influence perceptions of judicial independence and integrity within South Korea’s legal system.
Long-Term Stability Concerns: If political leaders continue to engage in vendetta politics and prioritize partisan interests over national unity, it could undermine public trust in democratic institutions. This instability may hinder effective governance and exacerbate societal divisions.

What are the challenges in India that could prevent a South Korea-like scenario?

Diverse Federal Structure: India’s federal system and strong regional governments provide multiple centers of power, reducing the likelihood of concentrated national-level crises.
Robust Democratic Institutions: A vibrant judiciary, free press, and active civil society act as checks against potential abuses of power.
Electoral Accountability: Regular elections at various levels ensure political leaders remain answerable to the public, mitigating prolonged governance failures.
Cultural and Political Pluralism: India’s diversity in culture, language, and political ideologies discourages the kind of national consensus required for large-scale systemic crises like in South Korea.

What should India do to prevent this type of situation? (Way forward)

Strengthen Democratic Institutions: India should prioritize the independence and resilience of democratic institutions, including the judiciary, Election Commission, and a free press, to ensure checks and balances against potential overreach by any government.
Promote Political Accountability and Transparency: Encourage bipartisan dialogue and accountability mechanisms to address corruption and governance issues, preventing political polarization and maintaining public trust in democratic processes.

Mains question for practice:

Q Analyze the factors that led to the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol in South Korea and discuss its implications for democratic institutions. What lessons can India draw from this crisis to strengthen its own democratic framework? (250 words) 15M

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