In an unprecedented move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday night, accusing the opposition of plotting “insurgency” and attempting to “overthrow the free democracy.”
This marks the first martial law declaration in over four decades, reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian past, writes the New York City.
What Martial Law Entails
Yoon’s proclamation empowers the military to control political activities, ban labor strikes, and oversee media and publications. Army General Park An-Su, appointed martial law commander, stated that violators could be arrested without warrants, and striking medical staff were ordered to return to work within 48 hours. Critics decry the sweeping measures as draconian, silencing dissent under the guise of national security.
Who Is President Yoon Suk Yeol?
Elected in 2022 after a narrow victory, Yoon brought South Korea’s conservatives back to power, vowing to uphold freedom and democracy. However, his administration has been marred by accusations of suppressing free speech, targeting journalists, and weaponizing lawsuits against critics. With his People Power Party suffering major losses in parliamentary elections earlier this year, Yoon has struggled against an opposition-controlled parliament.
Opposition and Public Push Back
The declaration immediately sparked outrage across political lines. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, condemned Yoon’s actions as “illegal and unconstitutional,” urging citizens to rally at the National Assembly. “Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people,” Lee declared, vowing to stop martial law “at all costs.”
Even Yoon’s conservative ally, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the move, calling it “wrong” and promising to block it.
Broadcasts showed clashes outside the National Assembly, with soldiers and police blocking protesters chanting, “End martial law!”
How Martial Law Could Be Lifted
South Korean law allows martial law to be overturned by a majority vote in parliament, where the opposition holds a commanding majority. Late Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik declared Yoon’s proclamation “null and void” after the assembly adopted a resolution demanding its removal. Soldiers and police began withdrawing from the assembly grounds as lawmakers and citizens celebrated the reversal.
A Nation on Edge
Yoon’s controversial move has further polarized the nation, drawing comparisons to its tumultuous authoritarian era. As tensions mount, South Korea faces uncertainty over its political stability and the limits of presidential power in a democracy still healing from its autocratic past.
