South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reversed his shocking martial law declaration within hours of issuing it, following a wave of political backlash and public outcry that left the nation in turmoil. The surprise decree, which evoked memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, had been announced late Tuesday night and swiftly blocked by lawmakers in an emergency parliamentary session.
The Decree and Its Immediate Reversal
In his late-night address, Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in “anti-state activities” and supporting North Korea, citing their efforts to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal. Labeling these actions as “rebellion,” Yoon declared martial law as a means to “protect democracy and national security.”
The decree, as reported by Yonhap, included severe measures such as:
Banning all political and parliamentary activities.
Allowing arrests and raids without warrants.
Prohibiting strikes, rallies, and “fake news” deemed disruptive to public order.
However, the declaration was met with swift resistance. By early Wednesday morning, 190 out of 300 lawmakers voted to overturn the measure. Shortly afterward, troops deployed to enforce the decree began withdrawing from the National Assembly.
Citizens gathered outside the parliamentary building cheered upon hearing the news, shouting slogans like “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and calling for Yoon’s resignation.
Political Fallout
The opposition Democratic Party immediately called for Yoon’s resignation, threatening impeachment if he refused to step down.
“President Yoon should immediately resign voluntarily,” the party said in a statement. “We will not sit idly by and watch the destruction of democracy.”
Even members of Yoon’s ruling People’s Power Party criticized the decision. Party leader Han Dong-hoon apologized to the public, called for the dismissal of the defense minister who had advised Yoon on the decree, and demanded accountability from all officials involved.
“The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” Han said.
A Night of Chaos and Uncertainty
The martial law decree caused widespread panic across the country. In Seoul, residents rushed to family members’ homes to seek solace. Citizens expressed fear of being arrested without warrants, as allowed under the decree, while law enforcement officers reportedly warned people about the potential for arbitrary detentions.
“The streets were filled with people trying to be with their loved ones, unsure of what was going to happen next,” said CNN correspondent Mike Valerio.
Historical Context and National Reaction
The last time South Korea imposed martial law was in 1980, during the Gwangju Uprising, a student-led movement brutally suppressed by the military. Yoon’s decree revived memories of that era, with many seeing his actions as an attack on democratic institutions.
Critics argued that Yoon’s decision stemmed from his waning popularity and struggles with a parliament dominated by opposition lawmakers.
“It’s unprecedented in recent history for a president to so openly wield martial law as a political weapon,” said one political analyst.
What Comes Next
The reversal of martial law has done little to quell the political crisis. Yoon faces mounting pressure to resign or risk impeachment proceedings, while public trust in his administration continues to erode.
South Korea’s democratic institutions have been tested in this dramatic episode, with lawmakers, citizens, and even members of the ruling party uniting to oppose the decree. As the nation moves forward, questions remain about Yoon’s leadership and the stability of the country’s political landscape.
This story will be updated as developments unfold.