Thoughts with South Korean friends and colleagues
December 03, 2024
Having just returned from a trip to Seoul a week ago Wednesday, I was shocked by the martial law declaration that happened there last night (this morning U.S. time). President Yoon declared martial law and banned political activity, accusing the opposition of insurgency. This was not only opposed by the Speaker Woo Won-Shik, of the opposition Democratic Party which won a big victory in April, but also by Han Dong-Hoon, the head of Yoon’s own party. The National Assembly gathered and voted to end the martial law, which they have the authority to do. President Yoon and Army Gen. Park An-Su, who was charged with enforcement of martial law, have not yet complied with that order.
Since the June Democracy movement of 1987, the Republic of Korea had faced a series of leaders going to jail on corruption charges. When we were visiting, there were protests in the city relating to a suspended sentence for the opposition leader. This had lead to some traffic congestion, but nothing unfamiliar to anyone living or working around Washington DC. My government, defense industry, and other former colleague meetings primarily involved curiosity about the recent U.S. election and what it means for cooperation. There was no sense of political crisis.
We had visited the National Assembly for a quick tour that trip and also had a chance to return to the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. The Korean people had to overcome a few instances of democratic backsliding before a range of constitutional protections were put in place. I believe what we are already seeing in this constitutional crisis suggests that the National Assembly will be able to enforce its powers under Article 77. Common values and support for democracy have been touchstones regularly raised when I have interacted with the South Korean military and related civilian or industry officials, which is a highly professional force.
I think that South Korean democracy will stand resilient in the face of this crisis, but this must be an immensely trying time for friends and colleagues in Korea. My thoughts are with you and your country. South Korea has a history to be proud of, not just the amazing economic development but for having built up a robust democratic political system despite the real and ongoing security threats from the North. I’ll be watching this closely, and please know that regardless of party, you are all in my thoughts and those working to uphold the South Korean constitution and our shared democratic values have my full support.
[Update: Coalition of media organization statement calling on President Yoon to resign. Good historical rundown from James Palmer in Foreign Policy.]