Martial Law in South Korea: A Hidden Threat to the Security of Undersea Cables?

The declaration of martial law[1] in South Korea introduces a new and complex layer of risk for the security of its undersea cables, a critical yet often overlooked component of the global communication infrastructure. Undersea cables, which form the backbone of international data and communication, are vital for everything from financial transactions to everyday internet use. Given their strategic importance, any disruption, especially in a time of political upheaval, could have far-reaching consequences, not only for South Korea but for the entire region and global markets.

South Korea occupies a central role in the global connectivity ecosystem, acting as a key hub within the undersea cable network that links it to other economic powerhouses such as Japan, China, and the United States. These cables carry vast amounts of data, underpinning the economy, governance, and daily life. In the face of martial law, however, this crucial infrastructure could be placed at risk, either by neglect or by adversaries exploiting the situation. The imposition of martial law typically shifts the focus of a nation’s leadership towards military and security concerns, which can lead to delays in addressing civilian infrastructure needs. In the case of undersea cables, this might manifest as a lack of timely repairs or restricted access to landing stations, making them more vulnerable to physical damage, sabotage, or espionage.

The geopolitical context of South Korea further complicates the situation. The country is situated in a region of immense political sensitivity, bordered by powerful neighbors such as China, Japan, and North Korea. Any sign of instability within South Korea, such as the declaration of martial law, could provoke covert operations or heighten tensions, leading to a targeted disruption of undersea cables. Such actions could have cascading effects beyond South Korea’s borders, disrupting not only domestic communication but also international data flows, which could ripple across global markets, economies, and security operations.

Moreover, martial law could have legal implications for the protection of these cables. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)[2], South Korea is obligated to ensure the security of submarine cables within its jurisdiction. However, under martial law, the prioritization of military concerns might overshadow international agreements or impede collaboration with foreign repair teams, further complicating the restoration of damaged cables. This situation would be reminiscent of past incidents, such as the disruptions to Egypt’s Sinai cables during the Arab Spring, when political unrest led to significant global internet outages.

Historically, undersea cables have proven to be vulnerable in times of crisis, with incidents ranging from strategic warfare during the World Wars to the physical damage caused by natural events like the 2006 Taiwan earthquake. These examples highlight the importance of redundancy, international cooperation, and proactive governance to safeguard such critical infrastructure. Without these precautions, South Korea’s cables could become prime targets in an already volatile region.

Adding to this complexity are cybersecurity risks, which would be heightened under martial law. The imposition of strict control over communications, including surveillance and data monitoring, could lead to friction with international stakeholders who rely on these cables for uninterrupted connectivity. Such actions could provoke a backlash from foreign governments or private operators, complicating the situation even further.

While the risks are evident, so too are the solutions. Drawing from historical lessons, it is clear that strategic planning and international cooperation are paramount in ensuring the resilience of undersea cable infrastructure. Redundant cable routes, enhanced cybersecurity, and clear repair protocols must be established, along with stronger collaborations with international partners to prevent disruptions during times of crisis. South Korea's experience under martial law could serve as a wake-up call for the global community to prioritize the security and resilience of these critical lifelines, ensuring they continue to support the interconnected world we rely on.

[1] Martial law is when the military temporarily takes control of a country’s government and civilian functions, typically in response to a state of emergency, civil unrest, or national security threats. When martial law is declared, the military assumes authority over law enforcement and public order, sometimes replacing civilian leaders and institutions. This can result in curfews, restrictions on movement, and the suspension of basic civil rights such as freedom of speech and assembly.

Governments typically declare martial law when they believe the normal legal and governmental systems are unable to maintain public order or protect national security. The military enforces stricter regulations, and legal matters may be handled by military courts instead of civilian ones. While the goal is often to restore stability, martial law can lead to human rights violations and political tensions if misused.

Recent examples of martial law include the Philippines in 2017, when President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the island of Mindanao in response to a violent siege by Islamist militants in the city of Marawi. The military took control, with curfews and military tribunals put in place, leading to the displacement of thousands of civilians and reports of human rights abuses.

In 2018, Myanmar's military declared martial law in several townships in the Yangon region following violent clashes between government forces and ethnic armed groups. The military's response resulted in mass arrests, limited access to information, and restricted freedom of movement for civilians.

More recently, in 2021, Myanmar saw the military's full takeover in a coup, ousting the democratically elected government and imposing widespread martial law across the country. The subsequent crackdown on protests led to numerous human rights violations, including the killing and detention of civilians, illustrating the dangers of martial law when misused.

[2] https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf