South Korea experienced an unexpected six-hour period under martial law after President Yoon Suk Yeol made a sudden proclamation that echoed the nation’s history of authoritarian regimes. The move sent shockwaves throughout the country, sparking immediate controversy.
Armed forces encircled the parliament as Yoon accused factions allegedly sympathetic to North Korea of plotting to destabilize South Korea’s democracy, considered one of the most dynamic in the world. Outraged lawmakers swiftly acted, voting to revoke the martial law decree. By early Wednesday morning, the president officially lifted the declaration.
This dramatic episode unfolded amid President Yoon’s ongoing challenges, including low public support, difficulties in passing policies in a parliament dominated by opposition forces, and corruption allegations involving both him and his wife. While Yoon did not present concrete proof, he framed North Korea as a destabilizing factor, reiterating his belief that a firm stance against Pyongyang is necessary to curb its nuclear threats against Seoul.
Here’s a detailed look at the unfolding developments in South Korea:
What is Martial Law?
Martial law happens when the military temporarily takes over control from the civilian government during emergencies, crises, or situations where normal authorities can’t manage effectively. It often means suspending regular laws and relying on the military to restore and maintain order.
Unclear Accusations of an “Anti-State” Plot
After President Yoon declared martial law, South Korea’s military leaders quickly convened to discuss the situation. Troops were deployed, set up barricades, and entered parliament, escalating tensions.
The opposition leader, whose party controls the parliament, called lawmakers back to the building. In a dramatic session, they voted to revoke the martial law declaration.
By 4:30 a.m., during an emergency Cabinet meeting, Yoon lifted the martial law order.
The president’s justification for martial law included claims of “anti-state activities” and a supposed rebellion plotted by opposition forces. However, he provided no clear details or evidence to back these accusations.
This situation brings to mind South Korea’s past during the late 1980s, when authoritarian leaders often used the threat of North Korea to justify cracking down on political dissent and opposition. The parallels are difficult to ignore.
Lawmakers and Citizens Push Back Against Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration
President Yoon’s unexpected decision to impose martial law drew sharp criticism from both the opposition and members of his own political camp. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, called the move “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Even Yoon’s conservative party leader, Han Dong-hoon, publicly denounced the decision, describing it as “wrong” and vowing to stand with the people to oppose it.
Adding his voice, Kim Dong Yeon, governor of Gyeonggi province, urged resistance on social media. “The people will stand against the president’s unconstitutional action. The military should always align with the citizens. We must firmly oppose this,” he wrote on X.
The announcement left many South Koreans in shock. Social media platforms quickly filled with posts expressing confusion and anxiety over the president’s sudden move.
President Yoon Faces Mounting Political Challenges
Speculation has emerged that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent emergency declaration may be tied to his ongoing political struggles.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has seen his approval ratings decline significantly. His efforts to implement policies have largely been blocked by an opposition-controlled parliament, leaving him politically cornered.
Some conservatives argue that opposition resistance is a form of political revenge, particularly after investigations were launched into the opposition leader, who is widely seen as a frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election.
Adding to Yoon’s woes, he has been accused of being involved in an influence-peddling scandal alongside his wife, Kim Keon Hee. These allegations have dealt a further blow to his approval ratings and fueled criticism from his opponents.
The scandal revolves around claims that Yoon and the first lady pressured the ruling People Power Party to back a specific candidate for a 2022 parliamentary by-election. Allegedly, this was done at the request of Myung Tae-kyun, an election broker and polling agency founder who reportedly supported Yoon with free surveys before his presidency.
Yoon, however, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Martial Law Remains a Sensitive Issue in South Korea
South Korea’s transition to democracy occurred relatively recently, in the late 1980s, making military involvement in civilian affairs a highly sensitive topic.
During the authoritarian regimes that arose as the nation rebuilt from the devastation of the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders often invoked martial law. This measure allowed them to deploy combat troops, tanks, and armored vehicles in public spaces to suppress anti-government protests and maintain control.
A Look at South Korea’s History with Martial Law and Military Rule
Park Chung-hee, South Korea’s leader for nearly two decades, came to power through the country’s first successful coup on May 16, 1961. In the early hours, he led thousands of troops into Seoul, marking the start of his authoritarian rule. During his time in power, Park frequently declared martial law to silence protests and imprison his critics. His reign came to an abrupt end in 1979 when he was assassinated by his own spy chief.
Not long after Park’s death, Maj. Gen. Chun Doo-hwan orchestrated another coup in December 1979, using tanks and soldiers to seize control in Seoul. A year later, Chun ordered a brutal crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju, where at least 200 people were killed in one of South Korea’s darkest chapters.
By 1987, mass protests demanding democratic reforms pushed Chun’s government to agree to direct presidential elections. That same year, Chun’s ally and fellow coup participant, Roh Tae-woo, won the presidency. His victory was largely secured due to a split in votes among liberal opposition candidates.
The Current situation in South Korea
South Korea Lifts Martial Law After Night of Political Turmoil
In the early hours of Wednesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government rescinded the martial law imposed during a tense evening of political upheaval. The declaration, which saw troops stationed around parliament, was overturned after lawmakers voted decisively against military intervention.
Yoon confirmed that the military had been withdrawn following the bipartisan vote, and martial law was formally repealed at around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. The measure, which lasted approximately six hours, marked a brief yet intense period of political unrest.
The main opposition party wasted no time in escalating the situation, calling for Yoon’s immediate resignation. They warned that failure to step down would lead to impeachment proceedings. While Yoon has not directly responded to these demands, his office announced that senior aides and advisers had collectively offered their resignations. The president also canceled his Wednesday morning commitments.
Meanwhile, life in the capital appeared to return to normal. Tourists wandered through the streets, residents went about their day, and the usual city sounds of traffic and construction filled the air. Apart from the visible presence of police carrying shields, it was a typical cold and sunny December morning.
The Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, reiterated its position, declaring that Yoon must step down or face impeachment proceedings in the coming days.