South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, accusing opposition parties of destabilising governance, sympathizing with North Korea, and threatening the nation's constitutional order. This decision follows escalating political tensions between Yoon's People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party.
However, President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the military rule he imposed overnight, after the parliament voted to reject his martial law declaration. Yoon said his government has withdrawn military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting. Subsequently, the cabinet also declared it.
Yoon had declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathising with communist North Korea.
What the president said
"Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin," Yoon declared in his televised address, referring to South Korea's official name. "I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country," he added, while requesting citizens to maintain their trust in him and accept "some inconveniences."
National Assembly sealed
After declaration of martial law, reports came in that entrance to the Parliament has been blocked amid heightened tensions. with images showing policemen standing in front of the gate to the National Assembly.
Later, it was reported that National Assembly has been completely sealed after the emergency martial law. Helicopters were also seen landing on the roof of the building in Seoul.
'Political activities banned, media gagged'
The military announced that activities by parliament and political parties would be prohibited, and media outlets along with publishing houses would operate under direct supervision of the martial law administration, according to reports from Yonhap news agency. It's also reported that all media is subject to government monitoring according to their commander.
Parliament votes to lift martial law
South Korea's parliament voted and then passed a resolution to lift the recently declared martial law by the South Korean president, with the speaker deeming it invalid. The motion was passed with 190 of the 300 lawmakers present. "Of the 190 present, 190 in favour, I declare that the resolution calling for the lifting of the emergency martial law has been passed," national assembly speaker Woo Won-shik said.
However, South Korea military said that they will 'maintain martial law until lifted by president'.
Protestors at South Korea parliament
People tried to enter the Parliament in protest as police officers stood guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul to control the crowd. Protesters also held rallies and were seen having a scuffle with authorities outside the main gate of the Parliament.
As Yoon concluded his televised statement, crowds started to assemble near the parliament premises. Some demonstrators called out: "Withdraw emergency martial law!" Other protesters in the gathering raised their voices with demands of "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!"
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law
Justification for martial law
Yoon defended his decision, stating that martial law was necessary to safeguard South Korea’s liberal democracy and free constitutional order from what he described as "anti-state forces." He argued that opposition actions, including slashing the budget, were threatening public safety and stability. There has been a heated dispute over next year’s budget, with opposition lawmakers, who hold a majority in the 300-member parliament, approving a downsised proposal. Yoon criticised the opposition for slashing crucial funding, particularly for drug crime prevention and public security, and accused them of paralyzing governance.
Opposition’s condemnation and warning
The decision faced swift resistance from political figures, notably from Han Dong-hoon, the head of his own conservative party, who denounced it as "wrong" and pledged to "stop it with the people." Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader who was narrowly defeated by Yoon in the 2022 presidential race, criticised the announcement, labelling it "illegal and unconstitutional."
Unclear details of martial law implementation
While Yoon emphasised the urgency of restoring order, the specifics of how the martial law would be enforced remain unclear. There was no mention of martial law measures, leaving questions about its impact on daily life and governance.
Full text of the martial law decree
(As translated by Reuters)
"In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrowing the regime of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces active within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following is hereby declared throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024:
1. All political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, political associations, rallies and demonstrations, are prohibited.
2. All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda are prohibited.
3. All media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.
4. Strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos are prohibited.
5. All medical personnel, including trainee doctors, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to their jobs within 48 hours and work faithfully. Those who violate will be punished in accordance with the Martial Law.
6. Innocent ordinary citizens, excluding anti-state forces and other subversive forces, will be subject to measures to minimize inconvenience in their daily lives.
Violators of the above proclamation may be arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Authority of the Martial Law Commander), and will be punished in accordance with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act (Penalties).
Martial Law Commander, Army General Park An-su, Tuesday, December 3, 2024."