South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law blunder could derail President Joe Biden‘s move to bolster relations between Japan and its former subject, ruining a major touted administration accomplishment.
In a shocking move, on Tuesday night, Yoon declared martial law for the first time in South Korea since 1980, and the first time while the country has been a democracy. His rationale was alleged pro-North Korean interests taking control of parliament and other “anti-state” forces. Immediately, opposition lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly, jumping over barricades and locking out special forces soldiers. Before the soldiers could enter the chamber, parliament unanimously voted to overturn martial law, leading to its end six hours later.
