The Foreign Desk Explainer 446: The South Korean coup that wasn’t
Dec 4, 2024
Dive into the tumultuous political landscape of South Korea as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces backlash for declaring martial law. Discover the historical context of the nation's power struggles and the delicate balance of democracy transformed by drastic measures. Uncover the public and political responses to his controversial actions, as discussions of impeachment loom large. This exploration brings to light the tensions between authority and democratic principles in a modern context.
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Park Chung-hee's Auto-Coup
- In 1972, South Korean President Park Chung-hee launched an auto-coup, solidifying his authoritarian rule.
- However, this led to instability, an assassination attempt on his life, and ultimately his assassination in 1979.
Pedro Castillo's Failed Auto-Coup
- Peruvian President Pedro Castillo attempted a similar power grab in 2021, dissolving Congress and ruling by decree.
- His efforts backfired spectacularly, resulting in his arrest and potential 34-year prison sentence.
Yoon's Impulsive Act?
- Yoon Suk-yeol's attempted auto-coup in South Korea seems poorly planned and executed.
- The possibility that he acted impulsively or irrationally cannot be dismissed.