Major U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, quickly covered the unfolding political crisis in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law and its subsequent repeal. These outlets provided detailed analysis of the legal and political implications of the crisis, with a particular focus on the potential fallout for South Korea’s governance and its relationship with the U.S.
The Washington Post noted that the crisis had introduced uncertainty into the strengthened U.S.-South Korea security relationship developed during Yoon’s presidency. The paper highlighted the potential long-term impact on bilateral cooperation, particularly in the face of regional security threats and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
On Wednesday, opposition lawmakers in South Korea filed an impeachment motion against Yoon, putting him in immediate political jeopardy. U.S. media outlets swiftly responded to the developments, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
In its coverage, The New York Times reported that “After Yoon’s bold move to impose martial law plunged South Korea into crisis, opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion, and protesters demanded his resignation, leaving his political future uncertain.” The paper explained the details of the impeachment process, noting that if all members of the ruling People Power Party vote against the motion, it would likely fail.
The Washington Post analyzed the situation, noting that President Yoon’s political future remains uncertain despite significant hurdles to impeachment. The publication outlined potential outcomes, including the possibility of Yoon resigning voluntarily or being removed through impeachment.
The Washington Post also explored the broader implications of the political upheaval, which coincides with a U.S. presidential transition, warning that it could undermine the bilateral cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. that had been strengthened during Yoon’s term. The paper also highlighted Yoon’s efforts to improve relations with Japan and bolster trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. While the Biden administration had warmly welcomed these efforts, the Washington Post warned that the political instability could “disrupt the warming ties between South Korea and Japan and shake the efforts of both countries to align with the U.S. in addressing regional threats.”
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal commented that the impeachment motion “has created greater political instability in one of America’s closest allies.” They pointed out that Yoon’s fate now hinges on the legal question of whether his martial law declaration can be justified.
On the same day, six opposition parties in South Korea— including the Democratic Party of Korea, the Rebuilding Korean Party, the New Reform Party, the Progressive Party, the Basic Income Party, and the Social Democratic Party— jointly submitted an impeachment motion to the National Assembly, further intensifying the political crisis.