Why Did South Korea Implement Military Rule???

South Korea's president attempted to impose martial law due to concerns about North Korean influence and low approval ratings, but the move was quickly reversed following opposition from MPs and nationwide protests. The incident highlights the fragility of democracy in South Korea and raises questions about the country's history with military rule and its impact on economic growth and civil liberties.

Martial Law Declaration

• 00:00:05 The South Korean president declared martial law, citing a need to protect the country from North Korean communist forces, despite his low approval rating and facing political opposition. This decision sparked widespread protests and a swift reversal just two hours later, leading to impeachment proceedings. The president's claim of North Korean interference was disputed by many.

President's Low Approval Rating

• 00:03:10 The South Korean president's approval rating was below 20%, indicating widespread public dissatisfaction. This low approval was a result of several scandals, including his wife accepting a gift, stock manipulation concerns, and a poor response to a deadly accident. This low popularity fueled the public's opposition to the president's declaration of martial law.

South Korea's History of Military Rule

• 00:06:53 South Korea's history with military rule and the 'Miracle on the Han River' era under Park Chung-hee is examined. This period saw significant economic growth, but it came at the expense of human rights and civil liberties. The possibility of a return to military rule is debated, especially given the current state of democracy and the prevalence of dictatorship worldwide.

Global State of Democracy

• 00:09:22 The podcast explores the global state of democracy, noting the expansion of democracies, particularly in Eastern Europe and South America, but also highlighting the large number of countries under various forms of dictatorship. The speaker implies that democracy is not yet the global norm and needs constant support and reform to thrive.

Implications for the West

• 00:11:18 The events in South Korea serve as a stark reminder that democracies are fragile and require constant vigilance. The podcast references political instability in France and Germany, along with the ongoing conflict in Syria, illustrating that democratic governments can face threats and unexpected challenges that could lead to a decline in democratic values.