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Martial Law Has Ended in South Korea

Matt Vespa
Matt Vespa  |  December 03, 2024 2:45 PM

It's now over. South Korea’s state of emergency issued by President Yoon Suk Yeol has ended. The president sent the nation into turmoil when he declared martial law, alleging the opposition party, which controls the National Assembly, had established a “legislative dictatorship,” paralyzing the state with endless impeachment and special investigations.

South Korea’s legislative body voted to lift the martial law order, condemning the decision. The leader of President Yoon’s party also criticized the declaration. There was mayhem outside the National Assembly building, where some soldiers deployed were seen leaving, sparking some to suggest that this drama was over. And now it is–the emergency order only lasted five hours (via NYT):

President Yoon said he would end martial law as soon as he convened his cabinet. He said troops had withdrawn from the National Assembly after lawmakers passed a resolution demanding an end to martial law...President Yoon said he was waiting for members of his cabinet to arrive so that he could formally lift martial law, which had been in place for five hours.

The military had declared they would continue to enforce the martial law order until President Yoon lifted it. They’re also reportedly attempting to arrest the political leaders of the National Assembly, including the head of Yoon’s party.  All political activities are banned until further notice. The mass protest outside the National Assembly is reportedly thinning out as well. 

On the domestic front, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions called for an indefinite strike until President Yoon resigned. The chief spokesman of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, Jo Seoung-lae, also confirmed that military forces sent to the National Assembly tried to arrest the governing body's leaders earlier this morning.

Here's a rundown on what transpired before the order was rescinded (via NYT): 

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South Korea’s National Assembly voted to lift an emergency declaration of martial law just hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol announced it on Tuesday, in a swift rebuke of the president’s response to the political deadlock that has hobbled his tenure. 

Hours later, the president and the military had yet to make a public response to the vote, which came as thousands of protesters gathered outside the assembly complex in what were largely peaceful demonstrations. Mr. Yoon’s announcement of martial law banned “all political activities” and enabled him to take command of the news media. It was unclear what action the government had taken, however. 

Mr. Yoon, who is deeply unpopular and divisive in South Korea, accused the opposition of plotting an “insurgency” and “trying to overthrow the free democracy.” But his declaration, in an unannounced speech to the nation, was a dramatic escalation of a simmering political feud, and within hours had drawn protesters, tanks and military vehicles onto streets. 

The South Korean act on martial law states that if the assembly demands an end to it, the president must lift it “without delay.” It was the first time a South Korean president had declared martial law since military dictatorship ended in the country in the late 1980s. 

Here’s what else to know:

  • Demonstrations in Seoul: Thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting, “End martial law!” In images broadcast by local networks, some appeared to be trying to enter the building as police officers tried to block them. As dawn approached, the protests swelled and spilled into the adjacent streets of Yeouido, the area in Seoul where the compound is. Thousands of people filled a section of an eight-lane road to call for the president to be arrested.
  • Political paralysis: Elected after a close race in 2022, Mr. Yoon has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly. In a nationally televised speech on Tuesday night, he denounced the opposition for repeatedly using its majority to impeach members of his cabinet and block his government’s budget plans. This has “paralyzed the administration,” Mr. Yoon said. “The National Assembly, which should have been the foundation of free democracy, has become a monster that destroys it.”
  • The opposition: Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, rejected Mr. Yoon’s claims. “There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country,” Mr. Lee said. “President Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people.” He called Mr. Yoon’s declaration of martial law “illegal.”
  • Effects of martial law: Army Gen. Park An-su, who was appointed martial law commander, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies, and labor activities. Gen. Park said in a decree that “all news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” warning that those who spread “fake news” could be arrested without a court warrant. It was unclear what action the government had taken.
  • From his own side: Mr. Yoon’s move was criticized by the leader of his own political party. Han Dong-hoon, the head of the People Power Party, said on Facebook that the president’s “martial law declaration is wrong” and that he would “work with the citizens to stop it.”

Now, President Yoon will likely face calls to step down.