The article discusses the illegal declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3, 2024, which marked a significant turn towards authoritarianism in South Korea. CCTV footage from that night reveals a disturbing contrast between the calm demeanor of Cabinet members during a meeting and the chaos unfolding outside, as armed forces moved into the National Assembly. The writer, Hannes Mosler, compares this phenomenon to the “banality of evil,” suggesting that the officials’ nonchalant behavior reflects a moral paralysis, akin to historical instances of complicity in authoritarian acts.
The rise of far-right sentiments in South Korea is highlighted, with increasing violence and societal divisions observed. This shift is partly attributed to a “desire for destruction” among citizens feeling betrayed by liberalism, which has failed to deliver on its promises. Far-right figures exploit these sentiments to undermine liberal democracy through what is described as “democratic fascism,” which manipulates democratic processes to erode rights and freedoms.
The article argues for urgent reforms to address political polarization and social deprivation, emphasizing the need for public deliberation and a revival of democratic values to combat the threatening trend towards autocracy and totalitarianism. Without such changes, the survival of liberal democracy in South Korea is at risk.
