Not Too Unrealistic a Future of Liberal Democracy: A Reflection on the Self‐Coup Attempt in South Korea

Abstract The recent political crisis in South Korea deviates from the typical pattern of gradual democratic erosion observed in many liberal democracies. President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law and military mobilisation to suppress the National Assembly in December 2024 represents a possible return to forceful power seizures reminiscent of past authoritarian overthrows of democratic regimes. This crisis emerged after years of intensifying political polarisation and populism. While the insurrection was ultimately suppressed, its aftermath raises serious concerns about the future of liberal democracy. The event is likely to further deepen political polarisation and foster anti‐democratic political cultures. Although similar crises may not necessarily occur in other politically polarised nations, the South Korean case serves as a disturbing reminder of the challenges that liberal democracies may face in an increasingly divided political landscape.