Wed Dec 04 04:43:04 UTC 2024: ## South Korean Parliament Rejects President Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration in Dramatic Overnight Session

**Seoul, South Korea** – In a stunning turn of events, South Korea’s National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law late Tuesday night. The unanimous 190-0 vote, involving lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, effectively nullified the decree just hours after it was announced.

President Yoon’s announcement, the first such declaration in the country since 1980, cited the need to quell alleged anti-state and pro-North Korean elements. However, the move sparked immediate and widespread outrage. Thousands of protesters took to the streets outside the National Assembly, clashing with security forces as they attempted to breach the building. Footage emerged online showing soldiers entering the parliament building through broken windows. A visible military presence, including tanks and armored vehicles, briefly surrounded the parliament before being withdrawn following the Assembly’s vote.

The imposition of martial law, which would have suspended parliamentary activities, allowed warrantless arrests, and suppressed dissent, drew immediate condemnation as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic norms. Opposition leaders accused President Yoon of staging a political coup.

The swift and unanimous rejection of the decree by the National Assembly triggered celebrations among protesters, who chanted “We won!” Under South Korean law, the president is obligated to lift martial law following a majority parliamentary vote.

International condemnation also followed quickly. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed “grave concern,” emphasizing the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and upholding the rule of law. Former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang called the declaration “shocking” and lacking justification.

The dramatic events caused a sharp drop in the Korean won against the US dollar. President Yoon, who has faced consistent parliamentary opposition since taking office in 2022, now faces significant political fallout from this unprecedented attempt to seize emergency powers. The incident highlights the deep political divisions within South Korea and raises serious questions about the president’s future.

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