South Korea’s Martial Law crisis raises alarms in U.S.

Protests have erupted in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, where demonstrators clashed with soldiers and police following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law. The controversial order, which grants military authorities sweeping powers over governance, has sparked widespread opposition and is drawing concerns in the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to invoke a similar Insurrection Act if reelected.The U.S., a key ally of South Korea, expressed serious concerns about the developments. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirmed that Washington was not informed of Yoon’s decision. “This crisis threatens not only South Korea’s democracy but also the stability of the alliance structure the U.S. has worked to strengthen in East Asia to counter North Korea and China,” former deputy director of national intelligence Beth Sanner said on CNN.Martial Law Sparks Political and Civil ChaosInside South Korea’s National Assembly, lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke Yoon’s martial law declaration, invoking constitutional authority that requires the president to comply with their decision. However, Yoon has not rescinded the order, and military officials have stated it will remain in effect until the president acts.In a televised address, Yoon defended the move as necessary to “defend the free Republic of Korea”...