South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s sudden imposition of martial law on Tuesday night represents a watershed moment for South Korea’s democracy, one that could trigger severe political turmoil and violent unrest in the days ahead. 

By citing a need to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces” and uphold constitutional order, Yoon has stepped well beyond the normal bounds of his authority and set the stage for a major democratic crisis.

The declaration raises the risk that Yoon could seek to use the military to crack down on civil liberties and even use violence against protesters