In an alarming development, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, banning all political activities and placing media under state control. Political expert Eric J. Ballbach attributes this drastic move to a severe polarization within the country’s political landscape, which has hindered collaboration between the government and opposition. Despite his low approval ratings, Yoon’s actions sparked mass protests defending democracy, highlighting the resilience of civic engagement in South Korea. Ballbach discusses the implications of this crisis and the potential for political change amidst rising tensions.

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