In December 2024, South Korea experienced a significant political upheaval when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and alleged North Korean interference. This decision was met with immediate resistance from the National Assembly, which swiftly voted to rescind the declaration. The martial law was lifted within hours, but the incident led to President Yoon’s impeachment and a deepening leadership crisis in the country.

This article offers several critical leadership lessons:

1. The Importance of Constitutional Adherence: President Yoon’s unilateral declaration of martial law, bypassing constitutional protocols, resulted in swift political backlash and his eventual impeachment. This underscores the necessity for leaders to operate within established legal frameworks to maintain legitimacy and public trust.
2. The Risks of Unilateral Decision-Making: Yoon’s decision to impose martial law without broad consultation led to immediate opposition from lawmakers and the public. Effective leadership requires inclusive decision-making processes that consider diverse perspectives to avoid unilateral actions that can destabilize governance.
3. The Role of Civil Institutions in Upholding Democracy: The National…