Former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang expressed shock and concern over President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent declaration of martial law in a late-night address. Kang stated that the circumstances in the country did not warrant such a drastic measure and criticized the lack of reason and appropriate processes in the president's decision.
Kang highlighted that the declaration of martial law did not follow constitutional requirements, as it was made suddenly without the necessary cabinet decision. She noted that the defense minister seemed prepared for the announcement, as tanks and helicopters were mobilized shortly after the decree was issued.
Despite the swift rejection of the decree by parliament, Kang emphasized the destabilizing impact of the president's actions on the country's authority. She praised the statements from leaders of both ruling and opposition parties for their efforts to maintain stability.
Regarding President Yoon's motivations, Kang suggested that he may have been influenced by hard-line conservatives and anti-communists. However, she dismissed the notion of communist sympathizers or anti-state agents plotting against the government, deeming it unrelated to the current situation in South Korea.
Reflecting on the divisive political landscape, Kang criticized the president for exacerbating polarization and delivering extremist messages instead of working towards national unity. She emphasized that the president's role should be to reunite the country, a task that Yoon has seemingly neglected in favor of divisive rhetoric.
