In South Korea, the political landscape is marked by uncertainty following President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent declaration of martial law on December 3. The move was short-lived but has sparked a wave of controversy and may lead to Yoon's impeachment.

Illinois Tech Professor of Political Science Matthew Shapiro, who has a background in Korean studies and spent time in South Korea as a Fulbright Scholar, expressed surprise at the president's actions. “What we witnessed was completely unexpected by anyone—it came out of nowhere,” he stated. According to Shapiro, there was "virtually no legitimate claim for martial law."

Yoon, elected in 2022, had been facing growing political challenges and calls for the impeachment of his appointees. Following midterm elections that strengthened his opposition's hold on parliament, Shapiro suggests Yoon felt pressured. “I think he saw the writing on the wall in terms of who was next in terms of impeachment: most likely him,” Shapiro explained. He described Yoon’s declaration as a desperate attempt to maintain control and avoid legal consequences.

The reaction to Yoon's decision has been intense, with widespread condemnation from both lawmakers and citizens. Known for being a polarizing figure, Yoon’s latest actions echo historical periods of unrest in South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s.

Shapiro highlighted the impact on Korean citizens: “This is so unfortunate for the Korean citizens themselves who are dealing with immense emotional stress given the ongoing state of uncertainty.” He compared the current situation to past authoritarian regimes where freedoms were suppressed under national security pretexts.

The lingering effects of those times are still felt today, a sentiment echoed by South Korean author Han Kang upon receiving this year's Nobel Prize for Literature.

“To even consider invoking martial law under those circumstances is itself a tragedy,” Shapiro concluded.