South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his controversial decision to declare a state of emergency on Thursday, calling it a legitimate act of governance and insisting he would face any impeachment or legal investigation. However, his comments have raised the alarm both domestically and internationally, with foreign media suggesting that Yoon is not merely facing a lame-duck period but rather a dead-duck scenario — a more severe and debilitating power vacuum that demands fresh leadership.
The Guardian published a strong editorial on Wednesday, “South Korea’s Emergency Decree Aftermath: Democracy’s Beacon Needs New Leadership.” The British newspaper criticized Yoon’s recent actions, calling his attempt to declare a short-term state of emergency “bizarre and horrific,” and warned that the decision continues to fuel confusion and instability.
The editorial argued that this crisis threatens to tarnish South Korea’s reputation as a thriving democracy and a global economic hub. The country has made remarkable strides over the past few decades, rising from the ashes of war and poverty to become a center for trade, investment, and technological innovation. According to The Guardian, Yoon’s actions could undermine these gains.
The Guardian also aimed at Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) members, who abstained from last week’s impeachment vote. The editorial harshly criticized their failure to prioritize the national interest over partisan politics, labeling it a grave mistake that could have lasting consequences for the party. The newspaper further urged PPP lawmakers to reconsider their stance, warning that their political futures could be at risk if they do not support impeachment in the upcoming second vote this weekend.
In a pointed comment, the editorial declared that Yoon’s actions have gone beyond the traditional limits of a lame-duck presidency, instead likening him to a dead duck. The paper argued that South Korea urgently needs not a resignation roadmap but a new round of elections to restore political stability and trust in its institutions.
Other international media outlets have also closely watched the ongoing crisis. The New York Times prominently featured an article titled “In Defiant Speech, South Korean President Justifies Emergency Decree” as its lead story on the website. The piece detailed how Yoon defended his emergency declaration despite mounting criticism both at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Yoon angrily rejected calls for his resignation, implying that he would not step down voluntarily. The paper also noted that political momentum is building for a second impeachment attempt against the president, as more lawmakers within the opposition and even within his party express dissatisfaction with his leadership.