The Wall Street Journal

South Korea Political Tumult Could Sour Appetite for Korean Assets

The turmoil could have some longer-term repercussions on how investors view South Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, but had to walk that back hours later.
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, but had to walk that back hours later. Photo: jung yeon-je/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The unexpected declaration of martial law in South Korea has rattled markets, sending the won and equities lower. While the measure was promptly struck down by parliament, the episode is likely to leave a bad taste in investors’ mouths.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, claiming that political opponents had made the country vulnerable to North Korea, but had to walk that back hours later as lawmakers voted down the measure early on Wednesday morning.

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