Is South Korean President considering martial law?
Martial law forces subdue protesters in the Gwangju Uprising on May 18, 1980. / Korea Times file
By Lee Han-soo, Park Si-soo
Is President Park Geun-hye considering declaring martial law in a radical tactic to contain the worst political crisis in her administration?
Chances are low, at least for now, given an expected powerful backlash and turmoil that will only make the situation worse. But the unlikely option for the scandal-scarred President has garnered massive media attention after the main opposition party’s leader, Choo Mi-ae, dropped the bombshell on Friday morning.
“There was intelligence Park planned to declare martial law,” Choo said during a meeting with her party’s decision-makers. “Park seems to be determined to fight with people … This shows she is a reckless President.”
The last martial law on Korean soil was declared on May 17, 1980, when army general-turned-dictator Chun Doo-hwan was struggling to contain a violent pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju. His predecessor, Park Chung-hee, an iron-fisted dictator and the incumbent President’s father, took the measure several times to crack down on his political foes.
Under the law, the President has the right to declare martial law when it is considered necessary to maintain public order and security. And the head of state is required immediately to inform the National Assembly of the decision with details, including concrete reasons, a scope of territory and what will be subject to the emergency law. The National Assembly has the right to ask the President to lift the law and, if the latter refuses, the Assembly can start an impeachment process.
Military forces are stationed in front of Gwanghwamun Gate after the Coup d'etat of December Twelfth, on December 13, 1979. / Korea Times file
The Presidential Office vehemently denied the rumors, saying it is “regrettable” that the opposition leader made such an “irresponsible” remark. The defense ministry also denied the allegations.
The opposition party leader claimed Park is rallying her supporters, collectively called “Parksamo,” which literally means a gathering of people who love Park Geun-hye, for a clash with anti-president protesters during a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday. She said Park was trying to influence law enforcement to disrupt a widening investigation of her scandal.
Park has resumed activities as head of state after she “vanished” for eight days amid the growing scandal, commanding a reshuffle of high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism this week. Critics said this move has sent a clear message to law enforcement and other state agencies looking into the scandal that her grip on power still remains unshaken.
“If Park does not step down, we, along with other opposition parties, will take action to halt her constitutional authority,” Choo said. “We are even considering taking legal action after a mass anti-president protest on Saturday.”
Rep. Lee Jung-hyun, head of the ruling Saenuri Party, condemned Choo for spreading false rumors through an official statement.
"As the opposition parties hold majority seats in parliament, Choo holds the right to disapprove of martial law," said Rep. Chung Jin-suk, Saenuri's whip, citing the Constitution. "Choo should know this as she previously worked as a judge."
Meanwhile, a mass protest calling for Park’s resignation will be staged on Saturday evening in central Seoul for the fourth week in a row.