KUALA LUMPUR – South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has withdrawn his surprise declaration of martial law following unanimous opposition from the country’s National Assembly earlier today, according to Reuters.
The reversal comes after the National Assembly voted unanimously to demand the lifting of the decree.
Late last night, Yoon announced the implementation of emergency martial law in a televised address, calling it a necessary step to combat “anti-state forces” and protect the nation amidst escalating political and economic instability.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate antistate elements…I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said during the broadcast.
The decree, which included sealing off the National Assembly and deploying military personnel to restrict entry, was met with swift and widespread condemnation. Protests erupted nationwide, and resistance came from both political allies and opponents, reported Al Jazeera.
The declaration granted the military sweeping powers, including suspending political activities, banning labour strikes, and placing media under martial law control. Healthcare workers on strike were ordered to return to work within 48 hours or face punishment, while demonstrators opposing the decree scuffled with soldiers outside the National Assembly, reported Yonhap.
Inside Parliament, all 190 lawmakers present (total: 300 lawmakers) voted in favour of the resolution to overturn the decree.
“Of the 190 present, 190 in favour, I declare that the resolution calling for the lifting of the emergency martial law has been passed,” announced National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik during a live broadcast.
Following the vote, protesters outside cheered, chanting, “We won!” Reuters reported.
The opposition Democratic Party has also called for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.
“Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down,” said Democratic Party MP Park Chan-dae.
Yoon, whose approval ratings have plummeted, defended his actions in a televised address, claiming the measures were necessary to rebuild and protect the nation. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country,” he said, urging citizens to tolerate “some inconveniences.”
Criticism also came from within Yoon’s ruling People Power Party. Party leader Han Dong-hoon condemned the martial law declaration, saying that “the declaration of martial law is wrong. I will oppose it alongside the people.”
The political turmoil affected financial markets, with the South Korean won recovering from a two-year low against the dollar and stock-linked exchange-traded funds reducing losses after Yoon’s reversal.
“South Korea as a nation dodged a bullet, but President Yoon may have shot himself in the foot,” said Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, to Reuters.
Yoon’s declaration marks the first martial law since South Korea’s democratisation in 1987. Analysts suggest the crisis highlights Yoon’s inexperience and authoritarian tendencies.
“He must be feeling really desperate,” political commentator Baker told Reuters. “But he didn’t realise, you can’t do that in modern Korea.” – December 4, 2024