South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the imposition of "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, pledging to dismantle "anti-state and pro-North Korean forces." Following this declaration, chaos erupted outside the parliament in Seoul, where demonstrators attempted to storm the building but were blocked by police.
How Long Will Martial Law Last?
The South Korean military has stated that political assemblies and the parliament will be suspended if they cause "social confusion." However, the exact duration of martial law remains uncertain, despite it being removable by a parliamentary majority vote. Currently, South Korea's parliament is dominated by the opposition Democratic Party. Yoon did not cite any specific North Korean threats but focused on domestic political rivals. This marks the first instance of martial law in South Korea since 1980.
Protests Against Martial Law
After the enforcement of martial law, leaders of South Korea's main opposition party, the Democratic Party, urged all members to gather in parliament and protest against the martial law. According to Reuters, around 70 opposition members were inside the parliament, while others gathered outside. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has continuously struggled to advance his government agenda in parliament, where opposition parties hold a majority over his People Power Party (PPP).
The latest conflict between PPP and the Democratic Party revolved around next year’s budget bill. Yoon has faced criticism from opposition parties for rejecting calls for an independent investigation into scandals involving his wife and top officials.
Supporters Gather Outside Parliament
Opposition party supporters in South Korea gathered outside parliament on Wednesday (December 4) morning, demanding the withdrawal of martial law declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol the previous night. On Tuesday (December 3), Yoon’s surprising late-night television address jolted the nation as he lashed out at domestic political opponents. He accused opposition parties of holding the parliamentary process hostage and vowed to eliminate "embarrassing pro-North Korean, anti-state forces," adding that he had no other option but to take this drastic step to defend constitutional order.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the military announced a prohibition on parliamentary and political activities, with media and publishing houses to be placed under martial law command control. Despite this, hundreds of opponents and media personnel gathered outside parliament, rallying and waving the South Korean flag in protest.
Parliament Passes Motion to Revoke Martial Law
On Wednesday, South Korea’s parliament passed a motion urging the removal of martial law declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to live TV reports, 190 out of 300 members were present when this motion was passed.
Opposition Leader Calls Martial Law 'Unconstitutional'
The leader of South Korea’s opposition party has denounced President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law announcement as 'unconstitutional,' stating it violates the nation’s constitution and undermines democratic processes.
