Seoul [South Korea], December 4: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the removal of emergency martial law early Wednesday, following a vote by the National Assembly demanding its termination, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
In a swift response, Yoon’s cabinet approved a motion to end martial law enforcement approximately six hours after its declaration on Tuesday. The martial law, which had been imposed to address what Yoon described as “anti-state activities” by the opposition, sparked widespread domestic and international concern.
Martial Law and Its Repeal
President Yoon explained his decision:
“At 11 p.m. last night, I declared emergency martial law with my resolute intent to save the nation in the face of anti-state forces that attempt to paralyse the nation’s essential function and the constitutional order of free democracy,” he stated.
“But there was a demand from the National Assembly for the lifting of martial law; (I) have withdrawn troops mobilised to execute martial law affairs,” Yoon added.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea confirmed that troops deployed under the martial law order had returned to their bases, signaling a return to normalcy.
Domestic and International Reactions
The martial law declaration drew criticism from the opposition and concern from global allies:
- Opposition Response:
- Hwang Un-ha, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, condemned the military mobilisation and hinted at initiating impeachment proceedings against President Yoon.
- International Reaction:
- The United States expressed “grave concern” over the martial law declaration. After its repeal, the White House welcomed the reversal.
“We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly’s vote to end it,” stated a spokesperson for the National Security Council.
The statement added: “Democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation.”
- The United States expressed “grave concern” over the martial law declaration. After its repeal, the White House welcomed the reversal.
Background and Implications
President Yoon initially declared martial law to counter perceived threats to the nation’s constitutional order. However, the swift repeal underscores the influence of the National Assembly and the importance of democratic governance in South Korea.
This episode has further strained relations between Yoon’s administration and the opposition, raising questions about the president’s leadership amid ongoing political tensions.