Tomorrow @ 1:00 PM ET: The Aftermath of South Korea’s Martial Law Fiasco

In a sudden late-night announcement on December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, marking the first suspension of democratic rights in South Korea since the end of military dictatorship in 1987. Thanks to lawmakers’ rapid reactions and successful emergency gathering, martial law was revoked and lifted six hours after the declaration. Nonetheless, the sight of citizens and lawmakers facing off against soldiers in front of the National Assembly evoked vivid memories of past periods of military rule. Yoon’s gambit spread outrage across South Korean society, shocked global partners, and incited massive protests demanding Yoon’s impeachment, a demand that successfully passed through South Korea's parliament on December 14th.

In light of the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, there are many questions to be answered. How did partisan tensions spin out of control? What are the domestic political consequences of the martial law fiasco? What are the implications for the US-ROK alliance and South Korean foreign policy?

December 2024

20
1:00 PM ET
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Join us for a timely and important discussion with:

Nathan Park

Nathan Park is a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute and an attorney based in Washington, D.C. Mr. Park’s practice is focused on international litigation, arbitration, & regulatory actions including matters involving trade & export control. Mr. Park writes frequently about politics and economy in East Asia for the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, & Foreign Policy.

Natalia Slavney 

Natalia Slavney is a research analyst for the Korea Program and assistant editor for 38 North at the Stimson Center. Her research experience and interests include humanitarianism and aid, international law, inter-Korean relations, US-DPRK relations, & information controls in North Korea, and the North Korean economy.

James Park

James Park is a research associate at the Quincy Institute’s East Asia Program. His research covers South Korean foreign policy and domestic politics, Chinese security issues, and U.S. policy vis-à-vis East Asia. He has written about Korean and Chinese affairs for various outlets, including The Diplomat, The National Interest, and Responsible Statecraft.

Jake Werner (Moderator)

Jake Werner is acting director of the East Asia Program at the Quincy Institute. His research examines the emergence of great power conflict between the U.S. and China and develops policies to rebuild constructive economic relations. Prior to joining Quincy, Jake was a Postdoctoral Global China Research Fellow at Boston University.

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