Seoul: South Korea’s Cabinet has lifted martial law after lawmakers voted to defy President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to impose it. A Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo ratified the motion, which had been overwhelmingly rejected by parliament members, prompting President Yoon to retract his decision.
According to Anadolu Agency, the lifting of martial law follows a procedure outlined in the South Korean Constitution. President Yoon, in a second national address, announced the immediate removal of martial law, complying with the National Assembly’s request through a State Council meeting. This decision came after Yoon had initially declared martial law to counter “anti-state forces,” marking the first such imposition in 45 years.
The martial law declaration had resulted in a sweeping prohibition of political activities, impacting parliament, local councils, political parties, and public demonstrations. However, the swift parliamentary opposition, with 190 out of 300 lawmakers voting against it
, obligated President Yoon to adhere to their resolution. The announcement of the repeal was met with public celebration, as political activities resumed and troops were withdrawn from the parliamentary premises.
In his address, President Yoon criticized opposition lawmakers for allegedly paralyzing state functions through repeated impeachments and legislative manipulation. Meanwhile, Natalia Slavney, a research analyst at the US-based Stimson Center, highlighted Yoon’s previous commitments to fighting corruption and enhancing transparency, noting that his imposition of martial law marked a significant regression in South Korea’s democratic progress.
The opposition Democratic Party has called for President Yoon’s resignation, labeling his actions as sedition and asserting that he is incapable of leading the nation effectively. The party warned of potential impeachment proceedings if Yoon refuses to step down. Any impeachment attempt would require a substantial majority in parliament, with two-thirds of lawm
akers needing to support the motion.
President Yoon, elected in March 2022, faced dissent even within his own People Power Party, as some members sided with the opposition to overturn the martial law imposition. His term is set to conclude in 2027, amidst ongoing political tensions and calls for accountability.