South Korea's political drama was worthy of applause
Mint Ahmedabad|December 19, 2024
Its lawmakers were bravely joined by others to reject martial law and uphold democratic institutions
RAHUL JACOB

South Korea, an Asian industrial giant known for its efficiency, this month provided a political drama of unbelievable blundering even as its president exhibited a surreal disregard for constitutional propriety. On 3 December, embattled president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached Saturday, declared martial law. But in a comedy of fortunate errors, transport helicopters for special army troops were delayed by 40 minutes because they did not have clearance from the air force to enter a no-fly zone near parliament. In that time, lawmakers repealed Yoon's declaration of martial law. Huge crowds appeared outside parliament to protest against martial law, forcing Yoon to withdraw the order hours later.

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has stepped in to act as interim leader while a court decides on the validity of Yoon's impeachment for his attempt to impose martial law. Yoon's tenure since 2022 had been characterized by Gangnam-style clumsiness and ineptitude. Even so, lessons loom large for several reasons. Across the world, growth is slowing. Korea posted 0.1% quarter-on-quarter GDP growth for the third quarter, just as Germany did this week, with the German Bundesbank slashing forecasts. This is bad news for an incumbent government anywhere, as Olaf Scholz's coalition, which lost a confidence vote this week, in Germany is likely to learn when early elections are held in February.

Bu hikaye Mint Ahmedabad dergisinin December 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Mint Ahmedabad dergisinin December 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MINT AHMEDABAD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Mint Ahmedabad

Cricket stories that read like tales told in a pub

Glenn Maxwell's book, 'The Showman', with Adam Collins, is chaotic, flashy and straightforward but not necessarily engaging

time-read
4 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

Include pantos on your holiday to-do list

If holiday travels take you to Britain, indulge in vibrance of the pantomime

time-read
2 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

A new play weaves a story of love, longing and deceit

A new play by Amitesh Grover speaks of grief through the story of a woman who can make clay figurines come alive

time-read
4 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

Can the Xi-Trump 'bromance' be revived? Else, ties may fray

Cordiality between the two leaders would favour both countries

time-read
3 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

An image makeover for palm oil would be good for us

The ecological impact of this affordable oil is lower and health benefits greater than often portrayed

time-read
3 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

Refrain from judicial overreach: It'll strengthen India's judiciary

The suo motu powers of courts are essential to secure justice and the public interest but their overuse can have adverse results

time-read
3 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

Services led exports are a mixed blessing for us

Even as we celebrate India's emergence as a services-led economy, with our service exports strong and their prospects bright amid rising trade flux, we must look beyond the numbers

time-read
2 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

South Korea's political drama was worthy of applause

Its lawmakers were bravely joined by others to reject martial law and uphold democratic institutions

time-read
3 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

Market losses and mistakes are two completely different things

A loss needn't be a mistake. What matters is whether the process of taking the decision was right

time-read
4 dak  |
December 19, 2024
Mint Ahmedabad

THE ROAD TO BETTER WEALTH MANAGEMENT STARTS WITH A CONSOLIDATED VIEW

Today's speed of digital spending and investing could lead to unthoughtful, costly mistakes

time-read
3 dak  |
December 19, 2024