SEOUL. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded his surprise martial law declaration mere hours after issuing it, following fierce opposition from lawmakers and public outcry. The sudden move, which marked the first imposition of martial law in the country since 1980, plunged South Korea into political turmoil and raised international concerns.
The dramatic reversal unfolded early Wednesday morning, with President Yoon backtracking on his decree and withdrawing troops deployed to enforce it. The move came after South Korea’s National Assembly overwhelmingly voted to overturn the measure, with 190 out of 300 lawmakers opposing it.
Outcry from Lawmakers and Calls for Resignation
The opposition Democratic Party swiftly condemned Yoon’s actions, demanding his immediate resignation and warning of impeachment proceedings. “We will not sit idly by and watch President Yoon’s crime of destroying the Constitution and trampling on democracy,” the party stated. Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Park Chan-dae added, “Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down.”
The ruling People Power Party also expressed disapproval, with its leader Han Dong-hoon apologizing to the public and urging the dismissal of the defense minister who had recommended martial law. “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” Han said. “The minister of defense should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”
Backdrop of the Crisis
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday night came as a shock to the nation. In a televised address, he accused the opposition of engaging in “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion” and claimed they had “paralyzed state affairs.” Yoon’s government sought to justify the decree as necessary to combat alleged threats posed by “pro-North anti-state forces” and to restore order.
However, the martial law decree, detailed by Yonhap News, outlined sweeping powers, including the suspension of parliamentary activities, media censorship, and arrests without warrants. It also banned strikes and public protests, escalating public fear and backlash.
Helmeted soldiers attempted to enter the National Assembly building late Tuesday night but were met with resistance from parliamentary aides who used fire extinguishers to block their advance. Protesters gathered outside the assembly cheered as the vote to overturn the martial law was announced. According to local media, cries of “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!” filled the air.
International Reaction and Market Response
The crisis drew international attention, with the United States expressing relief at Yoon’s reversal. “We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the National Assembly’s vote to end it,” a White House spokesperson said.
Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, warned of the potential long-term implications. “South Korea as a nation dodged a bullet, but President Yoon may have shot himself in the foot,” he remarked.
Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s won rebounded from a two-year low against the dollar, and exchange-traded funds linked to South Korean stocks reduced losses.
Political Future in Question
Yoon, who narrowly won the 2022 presidential election, has struggled with persistently low approval ratings, hovering around 20%. His People Power Party faced a landslide defeat in parliamentary elections earlier this year, losing control of the legislature to opposition parties.
The martial law episode has further damaged Yoon’s standing, with analysts speculating on the possibility of snap elections or intensified political gridlock. “Political uncertainty and domestic strife in South Korea is North Korea’s friend,” Russel warned, as regional stability remains a pressing concern.
With a history of over a dozen martial law declarations since its establishment as a republic in 1948, South Korea now faces a critical moment in its democratic evolution. As Yoon seeks to navigate the fallout, his ability to lead the nation remains in question.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
