South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legacy may now hinge on his controversial decision to impose martial law, citing vague claims of “anti-state forces” influenced by North Korea. The move has sparked political outrage and raised questions about the motivations behind his decision, as he faces impeachment proceedings and mounting criticism.

A Career Rooted in Law
Yoon, a conservative leader and former prosecutor, ascended to the presidency in 2022 after a meteoric rise in politics. Despite his legal expertise and reputation for being tough and uncompromising, critics argue that his temperament and reliance on a close-knit group of loyalists make him ill-suited for high-level leadership.

Born to academics, Yoon studied law at Seoul National University. In 1980, as a student, he participated in a mock trial condemning dictator Chun Doo-hwan, only to flee to the countryside when martial law was extended. This early brush with military rule contrasts sharply with his current actions.

Impulsive Leadership Style
Observers describe Yoon as impulsive and emotionally driven. His presidency has been marked by friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, scandals involving him and his wife, and escalating tensions with North Korea.

Choi Jin, director of the Institute of Presidential Leadership in Seoul, noted, “President Yoon tends to handle issues with a small group of loyalists and expresses emotions too directly.”

A Presidency Defined by Tension
Yoon’s declaration of martial law is seen as a response to prolonged gridlock with the liberal opposition. He accused his political rivals of undermining his administration by attempting to impeach officials and blocking next year’s budget. He also labeled them “North Korea followers” plotting rebellion.

Read: Who is South Korean leader Yoon who sought martial law?

The opposition-controlled parliament has been a significant obstacle for Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022 in one of South Korea’s closest elections. His tenure has been fraught with domestic political strife and bitter rhetoric on both sides.

Scandals and Criticism
Yoon’s administration has faced multiple scandals, including allegations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife. Critics argue that his martial law declaration was an attempt to distract from these controversies.

“Whether Yoon will survive politically or not, his declaration of martial law was a desperate move to shift focus,” Choi added.

North Korea and the Return to Hardline Politics
Yoon’s presidency has also been defined by a hardline stance against North Korea. Early efforts to offer economic incentives in exchange for denuclearization were met with hostility. Pyongyang ramped up weapons tests and personal insults, calling Yoon a “diplomatic idiot.”

North Korea’s perceived role in domestic destabilization echoes South Korea’s past, when authoritarian leaders used the threat from the North to suppress dissent. Yoon’s martial law declaration has revived fears of a return to those times.

Read more: Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president

A Troubled Legacy
Yoon’s decision to invoke martial law has raised alarms in South Korea’s vibrant democracy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claims. Whether this move will define his presidency or mark its end remains uncertain, as public and political opposition mounts.

Source: With inputs from agencies