Don’t Let Democracy Become Dictatorship

Target: Yoon Suk Yeol, President of South Korea

Goal: Prioritize nation’s democracy over political power.

A dramatic scene unfolded during the late-night hours in a key Asian democracy and American ally. Helicopters landed on the roof of South Korea’s main legislative chamber, and police and military troops converged around the nation’s capital. President Yoon Suk Yeol had declared martial law, marking the first time in roughly five decades that the burgeoning democracy had fallen under military rule.

The shocking declaration caught members of both major political parties off-guard and sparked massive public protests. Despite early claims that the action might have been in response to actions from neighboring North Korea, the dictate seemingly emerged from an attempt to silence the controversial president’s detractors. The declaration read that it would “crush anti-state forces that have been wreaking havoc.” More troubling still, the declaration would have prohibited any meetings by legislators and would have put the free press under the direct control of the military.

Despite efforts to block them, legislators immediately converged and voted down the declaration, deeming it illegal. The president has since lifted the martial law order, but the damage and mistrust has been done. This president had already been mired in multiple political scandals, and his public approval rating had plummeted into the low twenties percentage-wise.

Calls have begun for President Yoon to resign. Sign the petition below to compel this leader — who just pulled a dictator move — to step down for the good of his nation’s democracy.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Yoon,

In the aftermath of the Korean War, this nation endured a number of dictatorships that used martial law as an instrument of intimidation, fear, and oppression. The people cannot and will not return to this dark time. The fact that you turned to such a brutal and anti-democratic tactic, if only temporarily, is deeply troubling.

Do not join the ranks of notorious names like Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan. Respect South Korea’s hard-earned democracy and the will of your people. Do everything in your power to rectify your major error, or else resign for the sake of stability and peace.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Simta