South Korean Parliament Overturns President’s Martial Law Declaration [WATCH]

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, citing the need to combat “anti-state” forces and stabilize the country amidst mounting tensions with an opposition-controlled parliament.

Yoon accused opposition lawmakers of sympathizing with communist North Korea and obstructing his administration’s ability to govern effectively.

The move triggered immediate backlash, culminating in a parliamentary vote to nullify the declaration.

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Hours after Yoon’s announcement, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared the martial law order “invalid,” emphasizing the legislature’s role in safeguarding democracy.

BREAKING: South Korea’s parliament votes 190-0 to lift martial law pic.twitter.com/08Sf0HHZ0C

— BNO News (@BNONews) December 3, 2024

Woo called for law enforcement and military personnel stationed at the National Assembly to withdraw, a directive that was followed shortly thereafter.

“Lawmakers will protect democracy with the people,” Woo said in a public statement, signaling the parliament’s rejection of the president’s drastic measure.

The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, played a critical role in overturning Yoon’s declaration.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung announced that party lawmakers would remain inside the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted the martial law order.

Leader of the South Korean Democratic Party livestreams himself climbing over the blockade wall to enter the parliament via YouTube. pic.twitter.com/RHwXLXUnQ2

— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 3, 2024

“Democratic Party lawmakers, including me and many others, will protect our country’s democracy and future, as well as public safety, lives, and property, with our own lives,” Lee stated during a televised press conference.

The opposition’s swift response was supported by significant public demonstrations. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Assembly, waving banners and demanding Yoon’s impeachment.

Following the martial law declaration, South Korea’s military announced that political gatherings deemed capable of causing “social confusion” would be suspended, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.

The military also ordered thousands of striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours, warning that violators could face arrest without a warrant.

The strike, which has persisted for months, centers on government plans to expand medical school enrollment.

Television footage showed soldiers carrying rifles and police blocking access to the National Assembly building.

Helicopters were seen landing on the Assembly grounds and circling above the area, underscoring the heightened tensions.

Under South Korean law, martial law can be lifted through a majority parliamentary vote.

In an emergency session convened after Yoon’s declaration, 190 lawmakers unanimously voted to overturn the martial law order.

Following the vote, military personnel began withdrawing from the National Assembly premises.

Yoon’s martial law declaration has drawn widespread criticism, including from members of his own conservative People Power Party.

Party leader Han Dong-hoon called the decision “wrong” and pledged to oppose it alongside the public.

The opposition Democratic Party denounced the move as “illegal and unconstitutional,” with Lee characterizing it as a return to the authoritarian governance style of South Korea’s past.

Yoon’s announcement comes amidst growing public dissatisfaction with his administration, which has faced challenges including an opposition-controlled parliament, ongoing labor strikes, and calls for independent investigations into alleged scandals involving his wife and top officials.

While Yoon justified his decision as necessary to protect South Korea’s constitutional democracy, the backlash suggests that both lawmakers and citizens see the move as a significant overreach.

The political and social ramifications of this unprecedented event are likely to reverberate across South Korea for weeks to come.

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Original article:

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday in an unexpected address broadcast late at night, accusing opposition parties of engaging in “anti-state” activities and paralyzing the government.

Breaking: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law https://t.co/1DiV5MFZIs pic.twitter.com/yy1JVe4clJ

— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) December 3, 2024

Yoon’s dramatic decision marks a significant escalation in a political impasse that has gripped the nation since his election in 2022.

In his televised speech on YTN, Yoon accused the opposition-controlled parliament of threatening South Korea’s constitutional order and aligning with North Korea to undermine the country’s democratic governance.

“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” Yoon said.

Yoon, whose approval ratings have dropped in recent months, did not provide specific details on the measures that would be taken under martial law.

He called on South Koreans to “believe in him” and tolerate “some inconveniences” as his government moves to stabilize the situation.

“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin,” Yoon added. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country.”

NEW: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law, accusing the opposition party of “sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.” (CNN)

“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into… pic.twitter.com/PwzK8N9qxg

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 3, 2024

The declaration was met with swift opposition from both political rivals and members of Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, denounced the move as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

“Yoon’s announcement is a direct attack on the democratic order of South Korea,” Lee said, vowing to challenge the decision through legal and political channels.

Han Dong-hoon, a leader within Yoon’s own party, also voiced disapproval, calling the decision “wrong” and pledging to oppose it “with the people.”

The opposition Democratic Party quickly convened an emergency meeting, signaling that the declaration could deepen the existing political divide.

The party has been at odds with Yoon’s administration over several issues, including the passage of next year’s budget bill and motions to impeach three top prosecutors.

Conservatives have accused the opposition of using these motions as a vendetta against criminal investigations into Lee Jae-myung, who remains a leading contender for the 2027 presidential race.

Yoon has also faced criticism for dismissing calls for independent investigations into alleged scandals involving his wife and senior officials.

The president’s decision comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions and public dissatisfaction.

Since taking office, Yoon has struggled to advance his agenda amid resistance from an opposition-dominated parliament.

His latest move could have far-reaching consequences for South Korea’s democracy and governance.

Yoon’s martial law declaration explicitly ties his actions to national security concerns, including accusations that the opposition is aligned with pro-North Korean forces.

PRESIDENT YOON DECLARES MARTIAL LAW IN SOUTH KOREA.

NOT A SOUL OUT IN THE STREETS OF CENTRAL SEOUL AND ITS ONLY 11PM.

BRUH…. pic.twitter.com/jDDkgYRtna

— johncho {&} ⚪️⚫️ k/acc (@Iam_JohnCho) December 3, 2024

However, critics argue that the move is an attempt to consolidate power and sideline political adversaries.

The situation remains fluid, with no immediate clarity on how martial law will impact daily governance or civil liberties in South Korea.

Observers are closely watching for potential legal and political challenges that could shape the country’s democratic trajectory in the months ahead.

As South Korea faces an uncertain future, Yoon’s declaration has sparked intense debate about the balance between security and democratic accountability.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether his administration can navigate this unprecedented crisis or face further political turmoil.

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