The world’s attention is now focused on South Korea due to unexpected political turmoil. Angry citizens are taking to the streets to protest against the president’s arbitrary decision. The crisis stems from the South Korean president’s imposition of martial law, which banned all political and parliamentary activities in the country. Thousands of people are protesting, demanding the president’s immediate resignation.
Martial Law Declared
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol suddenly announced that martial law would be imposed to protect the country from possible disasters caused by communist forces in North Korea. The president issued the order on the night of the 3rd. According to the new law, all political and parliamentary activities in South Korea have become prohibited, and the military has been given the power to arrest anyone without a warrant. Critics say that this has equated all democratic processes with acts of terrorism.
This law violates freedom of speech and has imposed strict rules on the media. Following the passage of the new law, the army has been positioned around the South Korean parliament in Seoul, blocking access. In response to strong opposition from the opposition parties and the public, security has been heightened throughout the country under army command. Army soldiers forcibly entered the parliament building, while opposition politicians and supporters protesting against the new law came to parliament and demanded the immediate removal of this illegal martial law. Notably, some representatives of the ruling party and many supporters also joined the public protests.
Opposition Leader Jumps Over Wall Into Parliament
Foreign media specifically reported how the South Korean opposition leader jumped over the parliament wall and entered the premises despite the military’s presence. Following the opposition leader’s example, many other parliament members also forcibly entered the parliament chamber, ignoring military orders. They entered parliament to vote on a motion to invalidate the martial law declaration. With full participation of the lawmakers, a motion to repeal the law was presented and passed. The motion received 190 votes in favour, with 18 members of the president’s ruling party supporting it.
President Yoon Reverses the Decision
Under these circumstances, President Yoon Suk-yeol was forced to withdraw his imposed martial law. However, protests against the president continue. The people’s demand is for his immediate resignation. Reports indicate that protests that began on the night of the 3rd are intensifying.
President Yoon’s Special Statement
The South Korean president stated the new law, claiming it was enacted in response to North Korean threats. President Yoon Suk yeol noted that the measures to impose martial law were taken to control a potential threat to the country. He emphasised that the decision was solely to protect national security, maintain South Korean unity, and preserve peace.
Constitutional Provisions for Declaring Martial Law
The South Korean constitution authorises the president to declare martial law during war, armed conflict, or other emergencies. The law was last declared in 1979 following military dictator Park Chung-hee’s assassination in a coup. Military leaders under General Chun Doo-hwan declared martial law in 1980 to arrest opponents and extend their rule. Reports indicate that hundreds of protesters were killed in military attacks during protests against martial law in 1981. Since becoming a parliamentary democracy in 1987, South Korea had not imposed martial law until this recent event.
The First Martial Law Since 1987
The South Korean opposition and moderates argue that the president decided to control growing domestic protests against him. The opposition has initiated steps to table an impeachment motion against the president on the 4th, hoping to pass it within 72 hours of debate. This marks the first instance of martial law since South Korea’s transition to democratic politics in 1987. The Defence Minister has resigned to protest the president’s decision, indicating disagreement with the president’s actions.
Impeachment Against President Yoon
Moderates have emphasised that the imposition of martial law was a failed attempt at control. South Korean opposition lawmakers have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol, reflecting public sentiment. Critics accuse the president of using martial law to suppress citizens and maintain power through force. The announcement has turned the entire country into a battlefield within hours.
Calls to Arrest the President
The Democratic Party, South Korea’s main opposition party, has denounced this as the president’s deliberate betrayal of the country. Seoul has become a centre of protests, with schools, banks, and government institutions disrupted. Protesters are demanding President Yoon Suk-yeol’s immediate arrest. The Korea Trade Union Congress, the country’s largest labour group, has joined the protests and pledged to continue striking until the president resigns.
Protesters also demanded the resignation of officials who implemented the president’s decision, particularly targeting Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The opposition considers the law’s imposition a crime and emphasises that the entire country is united in this struggle for democracy and people’s rights.
National Unity
Thousands of opposition parliament members broke through military barriers to enter parliament, risking their lives to pass the resolution repealing martial law. Thousands of protesters gathered near parliament to support the members. Party lines dissolved as South Koreans united in protest. Facing mounting pressure, many of Yoon’s senior aides, including Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk and National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik, resigned on the night of the 3rd.
The Impeachment Process
The impeachment motion requires support from more than two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly (at least 201 votes) and must be voted on within 72 hours. If passed, parliament can immediately suspend the president, with the prime minister becoming acting president. A nine-member constitutional court must then review the decision. The president must step down if six court members support the impeachment.
This follows previous impeachments in South Korean history, including President Park Geun-hye’s 2016 impeachment for bribery and abuse of power and Roh Moo-hyun’s impeachment, though he was later reinstated. The current situation is unique, and if the president loses office, the constitution requires a new presidential election within 60 days.
