Korea needs to address polarization, upgrade its democracy

Three foreign reporters and analysts long based in Seoul shared their insights about possible cracks in South Korean democracy.

The three attempted to decipher President Yoon Suk Yeol's intention behind his "shocking" action.

They cited the need for the nation to address polarization and upgrade its democracy.

Breen said this crisis may offer South Korea a chance to redefine its notion of democracy.

Salmon introduced the concept of "autocoup," when a leader uses unfair methods to extend power.

Falletti: The Korean people’s shock went beyond politics, and I think people just became exasperated with what they perceived as the president's stubbornness.

There also seems to be a generational gap where you can see the president exhorting his core conservative base and the young taking this opportunity to voice their anger about the package that the older generation is handing down to them, especially the women in their 20s and 30s .

Breen: South Korea's image has taken a hit, in that, yes it is a democracy but is it reliable? He says it was the perfect time to leverage itself as a solid ally to the incoming U.S. administration by Trump .

But having said that, the crisis has also blurred its image, he says.

Breen says South Korea has the fourth highest suicide rate and the lowest birthrate in the world.