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Martial Law Declaration and Political Turmoil On December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition Democratic Party (DPK) of “anti-state activities” and collaborating with “North Korean communists” to undermine South Korea’s democracy. This unprecedented move, the first since democratization in 1987, was widely condemned as an attempted self-coup, triggering mass protests in Seoul and plunging the nation into a constitutional crisis. Yoon Suk Yeol’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings A second arrest occurred on July 10, 2025, when the Seoul Central District Court approved a new warrant, citing concerns over evidence destruction, as noted by Al Jazeera. Yoon was returned to a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Center, where he had spent 52 days earlier in 2025 before a March release on technical grounds. His ongoing trial at the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment on April 4, 2025, could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. Allegations and the “Stop the Steal” Campaign Yoon’s presidency, plagued by a 17% approval rating in November 2024 and scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee, faced accusations of using martial law to maintain power amid political gridlock. The “stop the steal” campaign, echoing global populist rhetoric, emerged among Yoon’s supporters, who alleged electoral fraud and democratic erosion by the DPK. Posts on X highlight how this narrative, inspired by U.S. political slogans, fueled protests outside Yoon’s residence, with supporters clashing with police. The special counsel alleges Yoon ordered military drones over North Korea to provoke a reaction justifying martial law and instructed his security detail to obscure communication records, further escalating charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. Yoon’s legal team denies these claims, calling the investigation “politically motivated” and the detention “unreasonable,” arguing he no longer holds authority. Political Implications for Seoul and Beyond Seoul remains a focal point of unrest as Yoon’s second arrest and the martial law crisis deepen South Korea’s political divide. The crisis evokes memories of authoritarian rule, with candlelight vigils reminiscent of the 2016-17 protests against Park Geun-hye . The impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo and the interim leadership of Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok have created a governance vacuum, raising concerns about stability amid external threats like North Korea’s ties with Russia, as noted by The New York Times. The “stop the steal” rhetoric continues to polarize, with Yoon’s base alleging election rigging in the April 2024 general election, while the DPK, led by President Lee Jae-myung, elected in June 2025, gains traction by promising to strengthen democracy. This ongoing turmoil threatens economic stability, with the South Korean won hitting its lowest value since 2009. Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 Crash On December 29, 2024, South Korea suffered its deadliest aviation disaster when Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crash-landed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 of 181 aboard. A bird strike caused the plane to fail to deploy its landing gear, overshoot the runway, and collide with a concrete barrier, erupting into flames. The tragedy, reported by PBS News, led to national mourning and inspections of all Boeing 737-800s in South Korea . Jeju Air faced a 26.8% passenger decline and canceled thousands of bookings. Combined with the political crisis, the crash has strained the interim government’s capacity to manage simultaneous crises, further eroding public confidence. Key Takeaways Yoon’s Second Arrest and Insurrection Charges : Yoon Suk Yeol’s re-arrest on July 10, 2025, for his December 2024 martial law attempt, citing evidence destruction risks, marks a historic escalation, with potential life imprisonment or death penalty looming. “Stop the Steal” Polarization : The campaign, fueled by allegations of electoral fraud, has deepened divisions, with Yoon’s supporters clashing with police, while the DPK leverages public discontent to bolster its influence. National Crises Overwhelm Governance : The Jeju Air crash and political turmoil challenge interim President Choi Sang-mok, highlighting governance instability amid economic downturns and external security threats. Objective Conclusion : South Korea Political Crisis South Korea faces an unprecedented crisis following Yoon Suk Yeol’s second arrest on July 10, 2025, for his failed martial law declaration, compounded by the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives. The “stop the steal” campaign has intensified political polarization, threatening democratic trust as protests and legal battles continue. With interim President Choi Sang-mok navigating a leadership vacuum, the nation grapples with economic volatility and governance challenges. As South Korea seeks stability, the outcome of Yoon’s trial and the DPK’s democratic reforms under President Lee Jae-myung will shape the country’s future, with global attention fixed on its resilience.

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