What South Korea’s crisis reveals about modern democracy

In less than 48 hours, on Dec.3, South Korea found itself under martial law by the order of President Yoon Suk Yeol — a turn of events almost unbelievable in its sheer surreality. Tanks rolled into the streets of Seoul and congress members scaled barricades to enter parliament, creating a dramatic spectacle of democratic collapse. The turmoil, which ended in a quick repeal of martial law amid overwhelming public protests and government opposition, exposed the fragility of South Korea's democracy. And although overwhelming public disdain for President Yoon eliminates any immediate threats to the country, the line between democracy and authoritarianism has never been thinner.