Jamie Spencer
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unexpected late-night address on Tuesday, accusing the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in anti-state activities and sympathizing with North Korea.
This declaration marks the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since 1980, during a nationwide uprising. Yoon justified the move by citing the opposition’s actions, including motions to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.
National Assembly Overturns Martial Law
Shortly after Yoon’s announcement, the National Assembly voted to block the martial law decree. Out of 300 members, 190 lawmakers, including opposition and some ruling-party representatives, voted to overturn the measure.
Woo Won-sik, chairman of the National Assembly, called Yoon’s declaration “invalid” and urged the president to immediately lift the emergency measures. “The National Assembly will defend democracy with the people,” Woo said.
Under South Korean law, the president is obliged to comply with the Assembly’s vote.
Yoon’s Justification for Martial Law
President Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He described martial law as essential for safeguarding national stability and protecting freedoms.
Yoon stated, “We will eliminate the anti-state forces and restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible,” promising efforts to minimize the public’s inconvenience.
The decree, reported by Yonhap, grants sweeping powers:
- Ban on political and parliamentary activities
- Arrests without warrants
- Prohibition of strikes and rallies deemed to incite social chaos
- Restrictions on “fake news” and “manipulating public opinion”
Public and Political Reaction
The declaration stunned citizens, with reports of people rushing to be with family members. Law enforcement warned residents of warrantless arrests, adding to public anxiety.
Outside the National Assembly, citizens celebrated the lawmakers’ decision to block the decree, chanting, “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!”
Members of Yoon’s own People Power Party condemned the move. Former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon called the martial law declaration “wrong” and vowed to work with rival lawmakers to oppose it.
Lee, leader of the Democratic Party, labeled the declaration “unconstitutional” and accused Yoon of turning the military against the people.
Who Is Yoon Suk Yeol?
Yoon, a former prosecutor and a political newcomer, has served as president since 2022, representing the conservative People Power Party. He narrowly won the election, defeating his rival by less than one percentage point.
His presidency has been marked by challenges, including strained US-China relations, tensions with North Korea, and a declining birth rate. Domestically, Yoon has clashed frequently with the opposition Democratic Party, which has impeached several of his ministers and blocked his fiscal policies.
Yoon’s tough stance on North Korea contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued dialogue and reconciliation. Yoon has advocated for a stronger military and even hinted at pre-emptive strikes if Seoul faces threats.
Conclusion
Yoon’s martial law declaration has deepened South Korea’s political crisis, testing the country’s democratic institutions. The National Assembly’s swift rejection of the decree underscores the strength of parliamentary oversight, but the public remains uncertain about the path forward. With mounting criticism from opposition and ruling party members alike, Yoon faces increasing pressure to reconsider his governance strategy.
