Following a controversial declaration aimed at quelling what he termed “anti-state” forces, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded martial law after the National Assembly rejected the measure. This action directly challenged the parliament, which Yoon accused of pro-North Korean sympathies.
The Tuesday night decree faced immediate and strong opposition, including from the parliamentary speaker and even Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s own party, who has publicly disagreed with the president’s handling of recent controversies, according to Reuters.
Protests erupted outside the Parliament building shortly after Yoon’s announcement, with demonstrators demanding the withdrawal of martial law and engaging in minor clashes with deployed troops. South Korean law mandates the president revoke martial law if a majority of the National Assembly votes for its repeal.
All 190 participating lawmakers voted to end martial law. Television broadcasts showed the withdrawal of troops stationed at the Parliament following the vote.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was monitoring the situation and that U.S. forces maintained close communication with their South Korean counterparts.
“The U.S. government is fully engaged with the Republic of Korea,” Ryder informed reporters.
Ryder confirmed no alterations to the deployment of the 28,500 U.S. service members stationed in South Korea.
In a late-night, unscheduled address on YTN, Yoon explained his actions as necessary to safeguard South Korean liberties and constitutional order. He blamed opposition parties for obstructing parliamentary processes and creating a national crisis.
“I imposed martial law to shield the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eliminate the deplorable pro-North Korean anti-state elements undermining our people’s freedom and well-being, and to uphold the free constitutional order,” he declared.
He further asserted that martial law would aid in “rebuilding and protecting” the nation from “national ruin.”
Yoon’s unexpected move recalled South Korea’s authoritarian past, reminiscent of the 1980s.
Yoon, a former chief prosecutor, has governed since 2022 with his party controlling the unicameral National Assembly. Opposition parties have consistently blocked Yoon’s legislative agenda, contributing to his low approval ratings.
Digital’s Chris Pandolfo and the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.