South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday evening, accusing the opposition of "anti-state activities" and sympathizing with North Korea. Yoon justified the action as necessary to protect the nation from "communist forces." However, the move was met with bipartisan condemnation and widespread protests, leading to the martial law’s repeal in less than six hours.
Timeline of Events
Tuesday Evening: Yoon announced martial law in a surprise televised address.
He accused the opposition, which controls parliament, of paralyzing governance through impeachment motions and budget blockages.
Yoon alleged the opposition sympathized with North Korea and had turned the nation into a “drug haven,” causing public unrest.
Following the declaration, the military banned all political activities, including those of parliament and political parties, and placed media under martial law command.
Police and armed soldiers blocked access to parliament, barring legislators from entering.
Later, parliamentarians voted unanimously to overturn the martial law declaration, with 190 out of 300 legislators supporting the motion.
Faced with opposition and mounting protests, Yoon revoked the martial law early Wednesday morning during a cabinet meeting.
Reactions
Politicians from across the spectrum condemned Yoon’s declaration.
The leader of Yoon’s party called it a "mistake" and pledged to block it.
The opposition leader labeled the move "unconstitutional" and urged citizens to resist.
Protesters gathered outside parliament, demanding Yoon’s resignation and protection for democracy.
International allies, including the U.S., Canada, and the UK, expressed concern, advising caution for travelers.
The White House said it was not informed in advance but welcomed the revocation, reiterating the importance of democracy in the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Context
Yoon has faced strained relations with the opposition-controlled parliament since his 2022 election.
His approval rating has plunged to 25% amid accusations of authoritarianism.
Martial law has not been declared in South Korea since 1980 during a military dictatorship, raising fears about the nation’s democratic stability.
Implications
This brief constitutional crisis has exposed deep political divisions in South Korea and dented its international image as a stable democracy.
Calls for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment have intensified.
The crisis could impact South Korea’s economic relationships, sowing uncertainty among foreign investors.
South Korea now faces the challenge of healing its political fractures while reassuring its citizens and global partners about its commitment to democratic values. The long-term ramifications of this unprecedented event remain uncertain.
Sources:
Global News, ABC News, Al Jazeera, France24, TPI, Open, Financial Times, New York Times, Haaretz, NPR, MSNBC, Daily Express - World News, South China Morning Post, Affari Italiani, Adnkronos, ANSA, Fanpage, Il Fatto Quotidiano, Il Foglio, Il Giornale, Il Sole 24 Ore, Panorama, Il Post, Huffington Post Italia, l'Unità.
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