South Korean president declared martial law across the country

[Maxmars]

But I thought the entire point of an "executive" officer of a government was to enable the extraordinary act necessary to maintain governance during an emergency.  Of course, democracy implies ratification, but to say that a president cannot declare martial law seems to imply a lack of trust in the executive. 

Perhaps South Korea's culture is significantly different, but emergencies are no time for a 'confab.'  Especially one populated exclusively by 'politicians.'

Never mind though, my questions are moot.