South Korea – In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, December 3, citing an urgent need to protect the nation from alleged anti-state activities linked to North Korea.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti state elements … I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in a live televised address.
This move gave the military control over the country, suspension of political activities such as assemblies and demonstrations, banned protests and labor strikes, and limited media freedom, according to reports.
The declaration triggered widespread shock and dissent.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung encouraged lawmakers and citizens, urging them to converge on the National Assembly to reject the order and called the decree “illegal”.
“Tanks, armoured personnel carriers and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country… My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”
Thousands of protesters responded to Lee’s call, and gathered outside the heavily guarded parliament, chanting against the declaration of martial law.
Martial Law Lifted
Meanwhile, 190 out of South Korea’s 300 National Assembly members attended an urgent late-night session, where they unanimously voted, including ruling party members, to reject Yoon’s decree.
According to Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, the president must lift martial law if the National Assembly, with a majority vote, demands its removal.
Yoon at 4:30 a.m. (KST) on Wednesday, in compliance with the Assembly’s decision, announced that he would lift martial law.
Likewise, the situation has put Yoon’s leadership at risk, with opposition lawmakers threatening impeachment and labor unions pledging to strike until he resigns.