World
President of South Korea Ends Martial Law
The President of South Korea lifted martial law early Wednesday, bowing to political pressure following a tumultuous night in which troops encircled parliament and MPs voted to reject military control.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appeared to be on the verge of impeachment for his actions, declared martial law late Tuesday in frustration with the opposition, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he battles opponents who control parliament and whom he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
Police and military troops were spotted leaving the premises of parliament following the bipartisan vote to overthrow the president, and the declaration was formally removed around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting.
Following the imposition of martial law, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.”
Martial Law Lasted 6 Hours
Late Tuesday, people surrounded a military truck as it attempted to leave an area near South Korea’s parliament. Protesters gathered in front of the Parliament building after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, pledging to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he battles an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and accuses it of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
Overall, martial law lasted approximately six hours. The president’s unexpected move recalled an era of authoritarian leaders that the country had not seen since the 1980s, and it was quickly condemned by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s conservative party.
Lee Jae-Myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which has the majority in the 300-seat parliament, stated that the party’s legislators would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally revoked his order.
Woo praised how fast the troops departed the Assembly following the vote.
“Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo told reporters.
While announcing his intention to lift martial law, Yoon criticized parliament’s efforts to impeach key government officials and leading prosecutors. He claimed that parliamentarians had committed “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.”
Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, stated that security camera footage following Yoon’s proclamation showed troops moving in a way that suggested they were attempting to arrest Lee, Woo, and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party.
Early Wednesday, neither Yoon’s office nor the Defence Ministry responded to demands for comment. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered before the Assembly, holding placards and demanding Yoon’s impeachment.
Wartime, war-like situations
Some protestors clashed with troops before the MPs’ vote, but there were no early reports of casualties or significant property damage. Troops attempted to enter the Assembly building, breaking at least one window. One woman attempted unsuccessfully to take a gun away from one of the soldiers while shouting, “Aren’t you embarrassed?”
South Korea’s constitution allows the president to declare martial law in “wartime, war-like situations, or other comparable national emergency states” that need the deployment of military force to maintain peace and order. It was unclear whether South Korea was currently in such a position.
When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be used to limit freedom of the press, assembly, other rights, and court authority.
The constitution also requires the president to comply when the National Assembly votes to lift martial law by a majority.
Following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, South Korea’s military announced that parliament and any political meetings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, according to the Yonhap news agency. According to the military, anyone who defied the edict may face arrest without a warrant.
The White House in Washington stated that the United States is “seriously concerned” about the events in Seoul. A representative for the National Security Council stated that President Joe Biden’s administration was not alerted of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government.
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said the incident had no impact on the more than 27,000 US service troops stationed in South Korea.
According to Yonhap, the South Korean military also ordered the country’s striking medics to return to work within 48 hours. Thousands of doctors have been on strike for months, protesting the government’s intention to increase the number of medical school students.
Shortly after martial law was imposed, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube page for all MPs to convene at the National Assembly. He asked military and law enforcement officers to “remain calm and maintain their positions.”
