South Korea is currently experiencing unprecedented turmoil. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration and the ruling People Power Party have faced persistent opposition from the Democratic Party of Korea. There has been little to no cooperation between the two main rival parties in the National Assembly, with ongoing conflicts and heated verbal disputes hindering the normal functioning of the legislature. In the last nearly three years, no significant progress has been made.

Amid this gridlock, martial law was declared but was revoked just three hours later after the National Assembly voted to nullify it. Once the Assembly made its vote, martial law was lifted under Yoon's directives. The operation saw no casualties, injuries or defections from government officials.

Considering the national impeachment proceedings, however, the country is still at a crossroads. North Korea has continued to develop its military power. The rogue state established its comprehensive partnership alliance with Russia last year, sending troops in exchange for expected military technology assistance. The deal agreed between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin poses a serious threat to peace and security in Northeast Asia, as well as on the Korean Peninsula.

In addition to North Korea's hostility, China launched a new amphibious assault ship named Sichuan, adding a very powerful cutting-edge warship to the country's expanding navy. China showed the hypersonic drone in a naval operation in the Pacific Ocean, ensuring the right of control of the sea. As such, the country has grown to threaten not only South Korea but the Western Pacific region.

The second Donald Trump administration, which began on Jan. 20, is expected to be a path of uncertainty for South Korea.

Now, how should we react to such uncertainties? To be frank with you, Korea is now getting into an abyss of controversies over who is right and wrong in the impeachment proceedings of Yoon. There are also selfish, ardent arguments over how to deal with the crime of rebellion or not. Parliamentarians, jurists and government officials are keeping their eyes on these fruitless arguments. Amid ongoing political chaos, which, if prolonged, undermines the country's ability to navigate international and regional challenges, it is essential to reconsider our approach to balanced diplomacy. We need a strategy that can engage all democratic powers in the world to support democracy, security and prosperity.

As a scholar of political science, I have long wanted conservatism to be deeply rooted in the country. Conservatism carries common sense with which Koreans can overcome any national chaos that they may face in the future. It essentially aims to maintain history, tradition and the status quo. In contrast, progressivism in Korea often downplays these elements, advocating for rapid changes that some view with caution due to their revolutionary nature and swift pace.

In short, I hope the current turmoil is part of Korea's path to its traditional commitment to free democracy, world peace, security and prosperity, with the reinforced South Korea-U.S. alliance networks.

Heo Mane, professor emeritus at Pusan National University, is a former president of the Korean Society of Contemporary European Studies. This article does not represent the editorial stance of The Korea Times.