The Republic of Korea's emergence as a global beacon of liberal democracy and capitalism is based on its strong alliance with the United States. Now this model democracy faces its greatest challenge in decades. It is becoming clearer by the day that President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent failed attempt to declare martial law was just the beginning of a major crisis that could threaten the collapse of the South Korean government and a politically motivated conflict with North Korea.
The United States must act decisively by unequivocally condemning South Korea's democratic backsliding, supporting its constitutional mechanisms for self-correction, and strengthening regional security amid its ally's internal crisis.
The situation has become more unstable day by day.
After Yoon's declaration of martial law was quickly lifted on December 3, the National Assembly passed requested impeachment proceedings the president on Saturday. Yoon responded by announcing that he would essentially hand over the remainder of his term to members of his ruling party, the People Power Party. This prompted party members to abstain from voting, dooming the impeachment vote, which requires a supermajority.
Subsequently, the chairman of the ruling party, Han Dong-hoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced their intention to jointly take over the government, a move that one politician described as a “second coup” and which legal experts said was unconstitutional.
As politicians work to revive the impeachment process, a member of the opposition party claimed that Yoon's Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun ordered attacks on North Korean balloon launch sites shortly before the declaration of martial law in order to incite military conflict and justify the declaration of martial law. The National Assembly member cited a tip from a credible military source. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff denied that Kim had planned a strike in a statement to the NK News website. Kim resigned as defense minister last week and was arrested this week on allegations of abuse of power.
Within 24 hours of martial law being declared, the United States responded reiterates its support for “the Korean people” and the alliance of the two nations “based on shared principles of democracy and the rule of law.” Now it should be much clearer: the State Department should issue a clear official statement denouncing Yoon's unjustified actions. A unified international voice, led by the United States, has often been crucial in countering anti-democratic movements.
For example, during Peru's political crisis in 2022, the United States issued strong public statements through the embassy, secretary of state, and state department. Rejection of “unconstitutional” actions And Advocacy for democratic reforms. This pressure contributed to the ouster of President Pedro Castillo and encouraged his successor, Dina Boluarte, to work with opposition forces and prioritize reforms. There were also widespread protests in South Korea against Yoon's incompetent and irrational leadership. The United States must call on Yoon and all South Korean leaders to respect the will of the people and protect the country's constitutional framework.
At the same time, South Korea's democratic allies, including the United States, are not allowed to cooperate with political asylum claims or escape attempts related to the crisis. To ensure justice, all those involved in the declaration of martial law must be held accountable through democratic and constitutional processes. Historically, South Korea has overcome political crises through self-correction and overcoming democratic resilience. From resisting foreign invasions during the monarchy to championing pro-democracy movements and impeaching scandalous President Park Geun-hye in 2017, vigilant citizens have held politicians accountable and strengthened the country's political system. South Korea's strong civil society must be honored and recognized by the United States and other allies.
Beyond diplomatic measures, the United States should raise its military alert level in East Asia to ensure regional stability amid the potential security vacuum created by the political crisis in South Korea. Key defense institutions such as the Department of Defense and National Intelligence are facing operational challenges due to the investigations, resignations and political chaos caused by the martial law crisis. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by North Korea or other adversaries through military provocations or intelligence operations.
South Korea is a crucial front-line defender of liberal democracy worldwide and a buffer against authoritarian regimes in East Asia. It too plays a crucial role in America's supply chains, particularly for semiconductors. Maintaining regional stability is critical not only for South Korea but also for U.S. national interests.
This is no ordinary political crisis. Because of Yoon's actions, South Korea now faces a serious threat to its political system, with the threat of autocracy and conflict with North Korea. This is not only a test of political resilience, but also a fight for the survival of democracy. The United States can help its ally climb out of the abyss by speaking forcefully. This crisis is a crucial test of U.S. leadership and whether America still stands for democracy around the world.
Will Daewook Kwon and Jaemin Park are fellows at Harvard Kennedy School. Kwon served as an intelligence analyst for the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense. Park worked on diplomatic affairs in South Korea.