"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Mr Yoon said.
"The imposition of emergency martial law comes as Mr Yoon's approval rating dropped to 19% in the latest Gallup poll last week, with many expressing dissatisfaction over his handling of the economy and controversies involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee."
Hmm. The leader also seems to come from a party that has a minority in Parliament. So it appears like a very unpopular president, with a minority party in government going authoritarian to do... something?
It's only authoritarianism if there's also a high public approval rating. If public approval is below 50%, it still counts as liberal democracy.
It's democratic when it's a US vassal.
Martial Law will continue until morale improves