South Korea's political drama was worthy of applause

Its lawmakers were bravely joined by others to reject martial law and uphold democratic institutions

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South Korea, an Asian industrial giant known for its efficiency, this month provided a political drama of unbelievable blundering even as its president exhibited a surreal disregard for constitutional propriety. On 3 December, embattled president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached Saturday, declared martial law.

But in a comedy of fortunate errors, transport helicopters for special army troops were delayed by 40 minutes because they did not have clearance from the air force to enter a no-fly zone near parliament. In that time, lawmakers repealed Yoon's declaration of martial law. Huge crowds appeared outside parliament to protest against martial law, forcing Yoon to withdraw the order hours later.

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has stepped in to act as interim leader while a court decides on the validity of Yoon's impeachment for his attempt to impose martial law. Yoon's tenure since 2022 had been characterized by Gangnam-style clumsiness and ineptitude. Even so, lessons loom large for several reasons. Across the world, growth is slowing. Korea posted 0.1% quarter-on-quarter GDP growth for the third quarter, just as Germany did this week, with the German Bundesbank slashing forecasts. This is bad news for an incumbent government anywhere, as Olaf Scholz's coalition, which lost a confidence vote this week, in Germany is likely to learn when early elections are held in February.