South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, citing "anti-state forces." Elected in May 2022 as a hardline conservative, his presidency faltered after the opposition's landslide victory paralyzed his agenda.
Yoon also faces bribery allegations involving his wife, intensifying scandals and impeachment calls. The martial law declaration, a desperate attempt to counter these pressures, will likely deepen tensions and instability.
More critically, amidst this domestic turmoil, can South Korea remain a stable democracy capable of countering North Korea’s aggression, addressing China’s growing geopolitical threat, and strengthening alliances?