< Back Ceci n'est pas une Opinion February 3, 2023 at 12:00:00 PM Talia Cutler '23 If you are literate, you can see that the heading atop this page reads “Opinion.” In simple terms for the modern reader, an opinion can be defined as ”an independent view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.” I’ve been the Opinion Editor for Mercersburg NEWS since the spring of my eleventh-grade year. In that time, I have been shocked by the amount of pushback I have received on what is published. What makes Opinion unique is that writers can showcase their voices in a way that no other NEWS page allows. There are no quotations, no third-person perspectives, no required objectivity. On this page, writers should be able to say what they mean, unbridled by bland neutrality. However, I’m afraid that faculty members taking offense to opinions published on this page has created a culture in which students feel unsafe publicly expressing their views. I can’t tell you how many times I have received an email about a piece that was published. At the beginning of my stint as an editor, I was excited to receive feedback about our page. However, this is a feeling that quickly weathered with both time and volume. The emails that Opinion receives in response to our pieces are too often curt, one-sided, and close-minded. Essentially, the agenda that is being pushed is that there is a “right” (agreeing with the school) and a “wrong'' (disagreeing with the school) opinion to hold. When someone has their opinion published on this page, they should not be called into meetings with faculty. They should not be threatened, intimidated, or bombarded with emails trying to change their mind. None of these scenarios is rhetorical. In fact, there is a general attitude of fear towards having an opinion piece published for all of the aforementioned reasons. This represents a deeper issue: students are afraid to publicly voice their opinions on campus for fear of retaliation. I encourage faculty members to gain perspective; these are students, not enemies. Pieces should be an opportunity for an open dialogue, not outrage. As I end my run as Opinion Editor, I publish this piece because I am concerned about the chilling effect on student expression because of needless opposition. I have been asked multiple times if I would not like to run more inoffensive pieces about the weather or dining hall food. Not only do I find this personally insulting but demeaning to the entire student body and its intelligence. Personal opinions should not be tamed in order to be considered “publishable.” I pen my final piece with a note for future NEWS writers, editors, and all students and faculty of the Mercersburg Academy campus who take offense to opinion writing: If you feel the need to reach out, it should be respectful, open to two-way communication, and because you want to facilitate solutions. When we have the courage to share our voices, please respond with genuine questions, not scripted answers. In short, be helpful. “You’re wrong” and “I do not agree” are not constructive and accomplish nothing. And too often, “I wish you would have spoken with me first” feels insincere. If this piece upsets you in any way, perhaps you might pause and ask yourself why. However, please do not email me (or my co-editor Anish) trying to change my mind, offer me passive-aggressive “feedback,” or take anything I may say or publish personally. This is my opinion, “an independent view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.” Previous Next

< Back Outsider in my own home October 13, 2023 at 12:00:00 PM Billy Quick ‘25 Mercersburg Academy is, in the eyes of more right-leaning students, a liberal institution, similar to most other institutions of higher education. Many of my peers identify most strongly with liberal ideas, and with this comes an abundance of challenges for students from backgrounds and with views that differ from the mainstream on campus. Oftentimes in the classroom setting, I, along with other conservative-minded students, have felt marginalized and without a voice. When discussing the classroom environment,students such as Brayden Pearson ‘27, said he “wished teachers kept politics in their classes, but made it less obvious what side they leaned towards.” In my classes, I have often endured the difficulty of being the minority opinion on a topic and feeling disliked and judged. I’ve experienced feeling alone when discussing my view on an idea while having to constantly battle against a majority of the group, who are trying to dismantle my argument. It isn’t easy when you are ten-to-one in an argument. You must keep up the articulation of your thoughts with multiple other minds, and it’s extremely easy to get flustered when you don’t have anyone to support you in this situation. During one of my history classes, we debated the subject of meat production, specifically focused on the United States. The class was artificially split in two in order to prevent a lopsided assault by a larger group upon a smaller. However, most of the people in my class didn’t support meat production or understand the importance of meat production for ranchers. So when it came time to argue, my side didn’t even try to support the idea, and a lot of the argument relied on my personal experience. I felt that no matter what I said, my view was vilified. In all honesty, I wasn’t given the voice that I needed in order to express my opinion. And the issue isn't just me. I have spoken to others who have also felt like outliers to the general opinion of the community. Many have said that this scenario well describes how they feel when they find themselves in similar situations. Lucas Duarte ‘26 has said,” I felt like my history teacher passively made jokes about my political views” and “called me out unnecessarily” when discussing topics such as the second amendment. True learning can only occur when the true range of opinions on any subject is included. The fact is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but there is something that can be done to address this issue, and it comes down to individual actions. If we take others' views into consideration and try to understand how it feels for someone to be solitary in an issue, stop disregarding those with different thoughts on issues, and allow for freely flowing safe discussion, we can create an environment in which everyone can express their ideas freely and comfortably. Previous Next

< Back Not as Easy as You Might Think September 23, 2022 at 12:00:00 PM Devin Rotz '25 Being a faculty or staff kid at Mercersburg Academy is really no different from being any of the other day students here. Besides the perks of getting to see your parent(s) at work everyday, there's a lot more to being in the Mercersburg family before you're a student. All my life I have been immersed in the Mercersburg community, with my mom having worked here for 27 years. I have been to various events, met with so many faculty and staff members, and have even had a job shredding paper in Traylor Hall when former Associate Head of School Debbie Rutherford retired. In a way, I came into Mercersburg with more relationships with faculty members than I did with students. But even having been in the community for so long as a staff student, I am still just a day student. I think some people need to realize that just because we are faculty or staff students we really don’t get anything different from an ordinary day student. Like other day students, we are in a school that has primarily boarders, and yet we are held to the same expectations as the boarders. I have no problem with that, but it wears on you when you have to be here by 8:00 a.m. every day because your mom has work. Yes, this means no sleep-ins for those morning frees. I think this also highlights a difference among faculty and staff students. For faculty and staff students who live on campus, they are very much able to access everything from SAC events on weekends to help centers during the week, and to hang out with friends when they want. For me, I live 15 minutes from campus and it’s really hard for me to say that I am going to be on campus for a help session till 9:30 because we live farther away and both of my parents work full time jobs. It's hard to say, “Hey, I know we’re having a picnic, but my friends want to hang out and I don’t want to miss out.” In reality you do miss out, and that is something you have to come to terms with when you are a day student. That’s not even to mention faculty and staff students who live 30 to 45 minutes away. There is a difference between faculty and staff students that can be quite impactful. There just isn’t enough understanding of day students in general at Mercersburg. You’re here from 8:50 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. on most weeknights and sometimes 10:30 p.m on the weekends. It is exhausting to constantly run back and forth five or six days out of the week, and on top of it all we still have to go to weekend games, do homework, and balance our lives at home. It is extremely hard and I think when you see a faculty or staff kid or even another day student, don’t ever think they have it easy or better because their mom or dad works here or they get to go home. Previous Next

< Back Sacked! January 17, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM Max Friedman '25 On Monday, December 9, members of the school administration sat the football team down, gave us pizza, and told us that the 131-year-long run of football at Mercersburg Academy was over. The message that was delivered to us was loud and clear: when the going gets tough, quit. At least, this is how we as a team perceived the news, feeling a sense of betrayal from the school for its lack of transparency. Questions about the decision and how and why exactly it was reached have gone mostly unanswered. Was the program in trouble and were there any efforts at all to save it? Were there benchmarks set in terms of participation or wins and losses? Was the program short of funds and was any effort made to raise those funds? Were our distinguished alumni, including NFL owners, GMs, and former players, consulted? Did anyone fight for us, and did anyone imagine what Mercersburg Academy would be without football? It matters not, as the decision is final and I don’t expect we’ll ever know the full story. Therefore, I would like to share my personal experience with Mercersburg football—the program that Dr. William Mann Irvine founded in 1894, the sport that was his true passion—and honor my coaches, teammates, and every alumnus who’s worn the jersey over our 131-year history. I didn’t expect to play football at Mercersburg, yet when choosing a boarding school, the presence of a football team was a requirement for me. I couldn’t fathom attending a school without a football program, its absence a sign that something tangible was missing. Football is synonymous with school spirit; it is the greatest representation of the pride and grit of a community. It pains me a great deal to say this, but I can state with certainty that if I were a current high school applicant, I would not apply to Mercersburg today. I joined the team as a sophomore, full of nerves and insecurities yet wanting to be a part of the brotherhood that was obvious from the stands. What I found in our team was life-changing. Mercersburg football gave me a sense of purpose, confidence, and pride. Together, my brothers and I found routine, direction, and the value of determination. We learned to trust each other in a way that no other experience in my life has allowed, and with it, we all found a place where we truly belonged. I’ve watched many of my teammates enter with the same nerves and doubts in themselves as I had and leave changed people—humble yet strong, honest, and resilient. As a multi-sport athlete, I know that there is something profoundly special about football. Football is a metaphor for life; each and every play you’re knocked down and you have to get back up. Sometimes you get up on your own, other times a teammate lends you a hand. Often, the hand that is extended belongs to your opponent, who, just a second before, you were wrestling to the ground with every ounce of your being. Football is honor; there is simply no other sport which breeds individuals of strength, intelligence, leadership, empathy, and character like it. The memories of playing this game are irreplaceable to me; no amount of money or academic pride will ever replace the value of football in a young man’s life. We, those who have worn this proud uniform, are better students, better friends, better humans, and we will be more successful in life because of the values bestowed upon us by this game. Dr. William Mann Irvine founded this institution to rear young people suited to be admirable members and leaders of society. Without football, our community has lost a part of its history, its tradition, and its mission that cannot be replaced. Previous Next

< Back A+ in protection April 9, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM Andrew Chang ‘26 Mercersburg’s Campus Safety has recently implemented a change in policy by arming officers to enhance security and ensure the community's safety. The decision has sparked controversy and varying opinions among the students and faculty, and the issue is becoming overly politicized. However, this should be considered necessary to ensure campus safety in the changing American environment. I’m in no way condemning or ignoring past issues that have arisen nationally with corrupt officers, nor am I trying to delegitimize concerns having to do with firearm misuse. I think Mercersburg, however, has correctly addressed all of those issues and has ensured the safety of all our students on campus. Campus officers are often required to respond to a wide range of situations, including potential threats to the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Equipping them with weapons can provide an added layer of protection in the event of an active threat or violence on campus. Adequately trained and responsible officers can use their guns to neutralize danger and ensure the community's safety. Additionally, having weapons can serve as a deterrent to potential offenders, helping to maintain a secure and peaceful environment on campus. People are too quick to oppose bringing arms onto campus. The prevailing progressive attitude tends to be against firearms, leading many to criticize and reject the notion swiftly. However, given the escalating incidence of gun violence across the nation, arming the campus security is a prudent measure. We should accept these changes with an open mind and trust that they will result in a safer campus protected from external threats. Previous Next

< Back Painting our own picture October 7, 2022 at 12:00:00 PM Priscilla Lee '23 Paint the Numbers is a senior tradition that dates back to the 80s. Like a lot of other senior activities, it’s a lot of yelling, cheering, class bonding, and of course, blue and white. Every year, Paint the Numbers is permeated by nostalgia. Even afterwards, I felt the legacy of the seniors before me while taking forever to pick paint out of my hair in the dorm bathroom. Legacy is exactly what Paint the Numbers is all about. Taking a closer look at the history of the event, it used to be exclusively for four-year seniors. In the recent past, however, the event was expanded to include ALL seniors, instead of just four-year seniors. This is something that people like me, who haven’t spent all four years at Mercersburg, are grateful for. It creates less exclusion and diminishes an Us vs Them culture within the senior class. In that way, I’m glad the school influences our class to grow closer together. However, administrative influence should not extend beyond where it is welcome. This year the number of cameras and lights from the communication teams transformed Paint the Numbers from a fun informal celebration of the senior class into a photo opportunity for the school to post on social media. At its heart, Paint the Numbers is about breaking the rules. Having it be filmed and photographed for marketing purposes decreases the appeal and creates more restrictions and rules. It's not ideal to be trying to create memories with my class while photographers and videographers stalk us. Unofficial official events make up the unique culture of Mercersburg in such a fun way, to reminding us that although we may not have a traditional public high school experience, we are still teenagers. Making all of our events feel staged for the school website is not worth sacrificing the meaning of the moment. Previous Next

< Back AI wrote this title October 18, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM Ben Pham '27 AI has improved rapidly in recent years, taking over many different industries. Though this transformative technology has exponentially increased efficiency within certain fields, it raises alarming concerns about future reliance on artificial intelligence. Regarding AI usage in school, the education system has been continuously undermined due to how easy it is for students to cheat on assignments without engaging with the material. While the misuse of AI is dangerous, it is also important to recognize the countless benefits that it can provide when used responsibly to aid you with work. My first introduction to AI was last year in my history class. My teacher had multiple lessons dedicated to explaining how to use ChatGPT responsibly. These classes taught me skills such as reviewing sources or verifying information with AI and opened my eyes to how it could be a valuable resource rather than a way to cheat. Have you ever had a video assigned to you, in which the teacher just glossed over the topic, leaving you clueless? This is where AI comes in handy, as you do not need to search up the question on Google, scour numerous websites, and piece together small pieces of information when you can simply have AI compile a detailed explanation in a few seconds. The ability to personalize information is one of AI’s greatest strengths and has helped me bridge gaps and reinforce specific areas where I struggle. AI also helps when your teacher wants you to use a source from the library database, and you’re forced to reference a book from 1954 written by a professor with a doctorate that's 20 pages long and uses words you’ve never even heard of when all you need is just that one paragraph of information. AI has saved me hours of reading by locating specific information without my having to rummage through multiple pages of irrelevant information before getting to what I want. AI’s utility extends beyond the classroom. As my history teacher had done for our class, I introduced my parents to ChatGPT. Because my parents never received a formal English education, ChatGPT helped them write more professional and polished emails by improving clarity and reducing grammatical errors, thus allowing them to communicate more effectively with their English-speaking customers. As AI continues to evolve, it will become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, which is why I believe that AI should be embraced in the classroom. Instead of merely focusing on the faults and dangers of AI, we should also assess its capabilities and boons, using it to enhance our education while avoiding the annoying complications that we often have to experience. Previous Next

< Back Vote like nobody’s watching September 20, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM Alex Grimshaw '25 In recent years, elections in the United States have been chaotic, and the 2024 election has been particularly interesting. Joe Biden, the clear choice for the Democratic nomination, dropped out just months before the Democratic National Convention and chose to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris and flip the entire race. On the other side of the ticket is former President Donald Trump, a polarizing character. Whatever you think about these candidates is your opinion and should be respected. The election’s main issues are the economy and abortion, and the candidates hold opposing views on each. Still, they share similar hopes for the country. For example, both want a strong economy. Their methods to achieve this goal differ, however. Harris seems to plan on continuing heavy investment in green energy and infrastructure known as “Bidenomics,” as well as advocating for the building of housing and giving mortgage assistance to first-time homeowners. Trump, on the other hand, wants to improve the economy by cutting taxes and placing new tariffs on trade. Harris’ plan will need a lot of government funding since she is also proposing a child tax credit. I am not sure where she can get all this money. Her plan will increase the national debt by increasing government spending. Though Trump’s tariffs are aggressive, those passed during his first administration have nevertheless remained under the Biden administration, suggesting that the current administration sees them working. Abortion is the most polarizing issue of the election. Harris promises to reinstate reproductive rights for women, which means she must get votes from the House and the Senate to pass such legislation. With the Dobbs decision, the regulation of abortion services is decided by each state, as advocated by Donald Trump. Trump also says he supports exceptions to early abortion bans to make allowances for rape, incest, and threat to the life of the mother. These are tough issues, but when I think about it, the Republican party has always stood for freedom, and people should be free to choose. Whatever your choice is this November, make it with confidence and for the good of the United States. Previous Next

< Back Affirmative Action September 22, 2023 at 12:00:00 PM Samuel Zhao '24 Affirmative Action, initially aimed to address historical and current injustices and inequalities, now enables race-based preferential treatment in education and employment. This policy was designed to try to resolve discrimination and improve social mobility, but it has only reinforced these trends. Affirmative Action covers many aspects of society; this article will focus on education aspect. First of all, we need to question the purpose of government involvement in education. The reason why the government funds education is to provide social mobility in the hopes of a strong civil society and to maintain a strong workforce. Both concepts suggest the idea of meritocracy, an ideology that focuses on an individual’s skills, abilities, and qualifications. While Affirmative Action grants certain races preferential treatment, it undermines the notion of rewarding the most qualified individuals, working against the purpose of education, economic principles, and the rationale for the government to fund education. While the fundamental notion of Affirmative Action is to offer underprivileged groups an equal chance, by this logic it makes generalizations about particular races, reinforcing stereotyped assumptions. Individuals cannot be defined as being at a disadvantage simply based on the inherent trait of race. Rather, other parts of one’s background, such as socioeconomic status, are better metrics by which to judge and provide individuals fair competition. For example, two college applicants share much more in common based on a shared zip code than a shared racial background. The overemphasis on race used in Affirmative Action might cause “elite capture,” which is when minority individuals from an affluent background benefit from privilege since they are counted as “disadvantaged,” making them more likely to receive greater financial aid. Statistics from the Brookings Institute show that following Affirmative Action, schools still preferred those coming from affluent backgrounds, not giving those who truly need financial help a fair chance. Elite capture contrasts with the purpose of Affirmative Action, which is to provide means for the disadvantaged to improve their livelihood through education. In this way, schools are not truly helping to improve social and economic mobility. A better alternative to considering race in admissions would be to use socioeconomic status as a factor, grouping applicants into different economic classes, acknowledging the benefits that are accrued with wealth, and selecting students for admission based on merit and accomplishments accordant with opportunities given. In this way, society will offer students an equal chance, fulfilling the purpose of education and rewarding hard work. Previous Next

< Back Remake or re’fake’ January 26, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM Maddie Weiss ‘25 Mean Girls , Percy Jackson , and Snow White : names we have heard since childhood. Movies that were iconic for a reason. Currently, they are also movies being remade. Movies are very difficult to make, involving a long, complicated process that includes writing, filming, editing, and marketing. When done properly, the work put into the film is evident and creates an amazing viewing experience. However, in a world where money is a priority instead of art, this process shatters and what is left is often a lifeless, superficial movie. A great example of this is the recent Hollywood trend of remaking movie classics from the past. We have seen a gradual increase in numbers over the years, starting with Disney-live action remakes and now with their even more unnecessary “retellings.” Classic films can have flaws. There are plot holes or a lack of diversity in the childhood films we all love, but this does not mean we must re-make iconic films to correct the diversity-related flaws. Instead, it would be more beneficial to create an entirely new story where well-thought-out and complex new characters are introduced. I have to ask, are movie remakes truly designed to incorporate diversity or acts of lazy corporate greed? In my opinion, the remakes have lost the spark. Part of the reason that the original movies are so beloved is that they are timeless. They don’t reference social media like TikTok or Instagram, updates which only disconnect viewers from the story. The most obvious reason why producers feel the need to regurgitate the past is that they know what works, and they are afraid of straying away from previously successful projects. They prey on the nostalgic feelings audiences get when they see their childhood favorites being created again, knowing that they will have an audience willing to pay. However, viewers are becoming increasingly aware of this tactic, and they are not happy. Remakes are getting lower and lower ratings with each new release, and people are becoming less likely to spend money on them. They would much rather watch the original than a lifeless, less entertaining copy. The main issue with most of these remakes is that they are a copy. Nothing about the plot is different, and the story becomes predictable. Even though the plotlines were once well-received, they lack the character and charm that the originals carry. This is something that can not be replicated because it happens naturally. Another recent letdown in the theaters is the Mean Girls movie-musical film adaptation, which combined the 2004 film with the Broadway show. While the production contains the same songs as the Broadway show, they sounded sleepy and uninteresting, like a pop song an influencer wrote. It lacked the emotion of the Broadway show as well, and the parts drawn from the original movie were no better. In a world where originality is becoming more and more scarce, Hollywood needs to get out of the rut it is currently in. Previous Next

< Back More than fair September 26, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM William Luo ’28 Walking into the Simon Student Center during this year’s club fair felt like stepping into a marketplace of ideas. Tables lined every wall, soccer music blastied, advertising the soccer club, and students roamed from booth to booth each offering candy, clipboards, and shouts of enthusiasm about why their club matters. At first glance, it was impressive seeing students showcasing Mercersburg school spirit and bringing diversity to every club. But beneath all that, it also revealed what we as a community did to create opportunities for students to showcase their talents and leadership skills. The best part of the fair was in fact “diversity.” From student unions to debate clubs, from gaming clubs to even a dog writing club, there seemed to be something for every student to apply their passion to. I believe that this variety matters, as high school is supposed to be about more than sheer grades; it is about discovering passion, what you truly believe in, taking responsibility for others, and finding people who share your passions. Watching students approach the Chinese Tea Club, I saw their faces light up as a heartwarming sight, as if they found common ground, despite coming from different parts of the world. It was a snapshot of Mercersburg at its best: extending inclusivity, curiosity, and eagerness to each and every member of the community. However, not every student shared my excitement. Some wandered around the aisles looking overwhelmed, struggling to hear club representatives over the noise. Others had no traction due to the crowds attracted to the loud noise of popular clubs, overshadowed by flashy displays and a bombardment of music. A fair designed to spark interest and involvement shouldn’t cause people to feel left out, unseen, or confused. A well-designed club fair, in my opinion, should allow each founder to have a chance to shine and talk in front of the whole community, inspiring applicants with their interest. Some may say that the chaos of the club fair is what makes it come to life and that experience of stumbling across a club that you love unintentionally is what makes it enjoyable. And that is true to an extent. Serendipity is indispensable. But randomness should not be lauded at the expense of clarity and exposure. Students who tour deserve the thrill of discovery and a clear idea of what they signed up for. And the founders of clubs deserve the appreciation of the student flow and the respect of their enrollees. Without that, the fair risks becoming more of a hype event than a showcase of the inspiring projects the community has to offer. Overall, the club fair is one of the few times in the year when the whole student body comes together and works on something other than academics. It represents who we are in the school as we develop energy, talent, and passion. But if we want a community where all students have the chance to demonstrate their potential, then the fair must be more than a noisy tradition. It should be a rope that ties involvement and enthusiasm together. The club fair is filled with the gifts that the community has to offer. It has significant strengths, but it also shows our weak spots. The question now is whether we’ll treat it as just a Friday event or as an opportunity to build a respectful community where every voice has the chance to speak, love, and find similar enthusiasts. Previous Next

< Back Yoonited we stand, divided he falls December 13, 2024 at 12:00:00 PM Taeeon Moon '25 On December 3, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency national address. He justified his decision by asserting that the National Assembly had become a “den of criminals,” paralyzing the nation’s judicial and administrative systems. He claimed the measure was necessary to “eradicate anti-state forces conspiring to overthrow the liberal democratic order.” Ironically, the order, claiming to be preserving democracy, became the decisive factor that positioned Yoon as a suspect in destroying the Constitution. As the president is undergoing an investigation for potential treason, is it not a treason to attempt to overthrow one’s very democracy? Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution stipulates that the President may declare martial law “in the event of war, armed conflict, or a comparable national emergency.” However, even considering subjective interpretations of these conditions, South Korea was not experiencing circumstances that justified such a declaration. This discrepancy immediately ignited significant controversy within the country and abroad. The National Assembly, led by the opposition, swiftly passed a resolution demanding the repeal of martial law. The 190 lawmakers present voted unanimously in favor. Meanwhile, citizens protested in front of the National Assembly, calling for the order’s immediate revocation. Eventually, the Assembly formally dissolved martial law 155 minutes after it was declared, and President Yoon rescinded the measure approximately six hours after its initial announcement. If martial law had remained in effect, the military would have been authorized to arrest, detain, and conduct searches and seizures without warrants, utilizing military forces as needed. Proclamation No. 3 specified that all media and publications would be subject to military censorship, while Proclamation No. 4 banned strikes, slowdowns, and public gatherings. Therefore, citizens asserting constitutionally protected rights before the National Assembly likely would have been arrested and punished under these rules. The most constitutionally contentious aspect of the declaration was Proclamation No. 1, which prohibited “all activities of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, including assemblies and demonstrations.” Even in cases where martial law might be justified, the President has no authority to suspend the operations of a constitutional body like the National Assembly. Since the Assembly holds the ultimate authority to revoke martial law, its suspension would effectively eliminate institutional checks and balances. Threatening the foundation of democracy to power-grab on the part of a leader trying to stay in office is intolerable. I considered various possible reasons for enacting such a law, but none made sense. Following the incident, President Yoon faced accusations of sedition, and multiple lawsuits were filed against him. On December 9, the Ministry of Justice imposed a travel ban on Yoon, marking the first such measure against a sitting president under the current constitutional framework. The opposition attempted to impeach him, but the first impeachment motion failed when lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party collectively boycotted the vote. The President should be impeached because this incident insinuates that anything could happen tomorrow. The ambiguous motives behind the declaration of martial law have raised significant domestic and international concerns about the state of South Korean democracy. But don’t worry. This incident demonstrates that our democracy can function to prevent unanticipated autocratic control when constitutional checks and balances are effectively enforced. The swift action by the National Assembly and civic protests exemplify the power of an engaged citizenry and the democratic resilience of South Korea. Previous Next