Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law has plunged the nation into a political crisis, marking the first imposition of such measures in 45 years. The decision, however, was swiftly overturned by the parliament, where 190 out of 300 lawmakers voted against it, triggering widespread protests across the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to mass demonstrations, especially in the capital, Seoul. Protesters chanted slogans demanding the lifting of martial law, protection of democracy, and the impeachment of President Yoon. The situation escalated when armed soldiers entered the parliament building but retreated after the parliamentary vote nullified Yoon’s declaration.
The decision faced criticism not only from the opposition but also from Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP), which labeled it as “unconstitutional and illegal.” Won Shik Woo, the speaker of the opposition-dominated parliament, declared the
annulment of martial law following the vote.
In his defense, President Yoon, 63, stated during a late-night television address that the imposition was necessary to protect the country from North Korea and eliminate anti-state elements. He appointed Gen. Park An-su as the martial law commander. However, Yoon did not provide specific details about the threats from Pyongyang and accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of hindering governance.
Following the martial law declaration, all political activities were prohibited, but the parliamentary vote kept these restrictions from taking effect. Under South Korean law, the president must lift martial law if parliament demands it by a majority vote. Yoon later agreed to comply with the National Assembly’s decision.
The Defense Ministry stated it would follow orders from the president’s office, indicating a continuation of martial law until officially lifted. The South Korean Constitution allows for martial law in times of war, armed conflict, or national emer
gency.
South Korea, with a population of over 51 million, transitioned to a parliamentary democracy in 1987 after years of military rule. Recent parliamentary elections resulted in the opposition Democratic Party securing a majority, amid declining approval ratings for Yoon.
The political tensions extend beyond the martial law issue, with ongoing controversies involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee. Allegations against her include influencing party nominations and involvement in a stock manipulation scheme. Prosecutors have decided not to indict her, but demands for an independent probe persist.
Yoon’s administration has faced challenges from both the opposition and his party, with ongoing investigations into alleged influence-peddling scandals. The president opted to skip presenting the budget last month, a decision seen as a significant departure from tradition.
The situation is further complicated by Yoon’s strained relations with North Korea and his alignment with the US and Japan against Pyongyang. North
Korea’s military ties with Russia have added to the tensions, with Seoul considering lifting its ban on arms supplies to Ukraine.
The political crisis leaves Yoon’s administration in a precarious position, unable to implement policy decisions due to the opposition-dominated parliament. While there are calls for Yoon’s impeachment, such a move would require substantial support from lawmakers, which appears unlikely at present. The martial law vote demonstrated that the ruling party is not fully aligned with the opposition, revealing the complexity of the current political landscape in South Korea.