President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an emergency martial law on Tuesday, but it was lifted by the South Korean government early Wednesday. This marked the first martial law declaration in over four decades in the country. The law was in place for six hours and was lifted after the parliament demanded its removal. President Yoon accused the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government through anti-state activities.
Martial law allows the military to take control from civil authorities and make and enforce laws. Yoon declared the law to defend the country’s constitutional order of liberal democracy and protect it from threats posed by North Korea. However, the opposition and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik deemed the law unconstitutional and invalid.
Following a bipartisan vote in parliament, the martial law was lifted. Lawmakers and protesters had gathered in front of the parliament, with some lawmakers even blocking military troops from entering the chamber. Protesters called for Yoon’s impeachment, with one saying it felt like a return to the era of dictatorship.
The swift lifting of martial law by a majority vote in parliament was seen as a victory for democracy. The events sent shockwaves through the country as tensions rose, and concerns about democratic values and governmental stability were raised. President Yoon’s unilateral decision to impose martial law and its subsequent removal highlighted the delicate balance of power in South Korea’s political landscape.
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