Is South Korea's democracy stronger after Yoon's impeachment?

Martial law was swiftly overturned and the President impeached. For many, it was a victory for democracy that requires no further thought. This view is simplistic.

South Korea’s democracy survived its most recent stress test. Martial law was declared, swiftly overturned by the National Assembly, the President impeached, and those responsible held to account. For many (particularly for those outside Korea with limited knowledge), it was a victory for democracy that required no further explanation. This view is simplistic.

Cheering South Korea’s democratic victory hides the fact that a precedent has now been set, polarization entrenched, economic inequality ignored, and extremism accepted. It also hides and overlooks more nuanced constitutional questions hidden in blind democratic fervour.

In the wake of the constitutional reversal, South Korea’s top military leadership issued a public statement: they would not obey such an order again. Which should make one wonder why it was obeyed in the first place. It should also make one wonder what this means for the future.