The rise of the Republic of Korea as a global beacon of liberal democracy and capitalism has been built on its strong alliance with the United States. Now this exemplary democracy faces its most significant challenge in decades. It is becoming clearer every day that President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent failed attempt to invoke martial law was just the beginning of a major crisis that risks bringing down the South Korean government and a politically motivated conflict with South Korea. North.
The United States must act decisively by unequivocally condemning South Korea's democratic retreat, supporting its constitutional self-correction mechanisms, and strengthening regional security amid its ally's internal crisis.
The situation has become more unstable every day.
After quickly revoking Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, the National Assembly moved to accuse 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 led party members to abstain, condemning the impeachment vote, which requires a supermajority, to failure.
Later, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced his intention to jointly take over the government, a move that one politician called a “second strike” and legal experts said was not constitutional.
As politicians work to revive the impeachment process, an opposition party member has claimed that shortly before martial law was declared, Yoon's Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun ordered attacks on balloon launch sites North Koreans intended to incite military conflict and justify the imposition of martial law. The National Assembly member cited a tip from a credible military source. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement to the NK News website, denied that Kim had planned an attack. Kim resigned last week as defense minister and was arrested this week on allegations of abuse of power.
Within 24 hours of the martial law order, the United States responded by reaffirming its support for the “people of Korea” and the two nations' alliance “based on shared principles of democracy and the rule of law.” It should now be much clearer: the State Department should issue a clear official statement denouncing Yoon's unjustifiable actions. A unified international voice, led by the United States, has often been crucial in countering undemocratic measures.
During Peru's 2022 political crisis, for example, the United States made strong public statements through the embassy, secretary of state, and the State Department. Rejecting “extraconstitutional” actions and advocate for democratic reforms. This pressure contributed to the ouster of President Pedro Castillo and encouraged his successor, Dina Boluarte, to collaborate with opposition forces and prioritize reforms. Similarly, South Korea has seen widespread protests against Yoon's incompetent and irrational leadership. The United States should urge Yoon and all South Korean leaders to respect the will of the people and safeguard the country's constitutional framework.
At the same time, South Korea's democratic allies, including the United States, should not cooperate in political asylum requests or crisis-related escape attempts. To ensure justice, all those involved in the declaration of martial law must be held accountable through democratic and constitutional procedures. Historically, South Korea has overcome political crises through self-correction and democratic resilience. From resisting foreign invasions during the monarchy to championing pro-democracy movements and ousting scandal-plagued President Park Geun-hye in 2017, vigilant citizens have held politicians accountable and strengthened the nation's political system. . South Korea's strong civil society should be honored and recognized by the United States and other allies.
Beyond diplomatic measures, the United States should raise its military alert levels in East Asia to ensure regional stability amid the potential security vacuum created by South Korea's political crisis. Key defense institutions, such as the Ministry of Defense and the National Intelligence Service, face operational challenges due to 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 frontline defender of liberal democracy globally and a buffer against authoritarian regimes in East Asia. Also plays a vital role in US supply chains, particularly for semiconductors. Preserving regional stability is essential not only for South Korea but also for the national interests of the United States.
This is no ordinary political crisis. Due to Yoon's actions, South Korea now faces a serious threat to its political system, with risks of autocracy and conflict with North Korea. This is not only a test of political resilience but a fight for the survival of democracy. The United States, speaking forcefully, can help its ally back out of the abyss. This crisis is a defining test of American leadership, indicating whether the United States still defends democracy globally.
Will Daewook Kwon and Jaemin Park are fellows at the Harvard Kennedy School. Kwon served as an intelligence analyst for the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense. Park has worked on diplomatic affairs in South Korea.
