Will South Korea survive the biggest challenge to democracy in decades? | TV shows

South Korea's reputation as a stable democracy faced a major threat on Tuesday night when President Yoon Suk-yeol shocked the nation – and much of the world – by declaring martial law.

He was forced to withdraw his decision after a few hours, after the members of parliament rejected him.

President Yoon is now facing an impeachment motion and is under pressure to step down – from his own party and from the labor unions.

What made South Korea's leader declare martial law?

And how will Asia's economic powerhouse deal with this unusual challenge to democracy?

Presenter: Neave Barker

Guests:

Natalia Slavney – Research Analyst, Korea Program

BJ Kim – Professor of international studies at Hankuk University

Darcie Draudt-Vejares – Fellow in Korean studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace