Wed Dec 04 02:38:22 UTC 2024: ## South Korean President Reverses Controversial Martial Law Declaration After Parliamentary Rejection

**Seoul, South Korea** – President Yoon Suk Yeol has rescinded a controversial martial law declaration imposed just hours earlier, following an overwhelming parliamentary vote of rejection. The move concludes a dramatic political crisis that sparked international concern.

President Yoon initially declared martial law on Tuesday, citing the need to counter what he termed “anti-state forces” among his political opponents. This action prompted immediate protests outside the National Assembly and effectively shut down parliamentary proceedings. The declaration, which included sweeping restrictions on political activities, labor strikes, media, and public gatherings, was met with widespread condemnation.

However, the National Assembly swiftly voted 190-0 to reject the declaration. Under South Korean law, this forced the President to immediately revoke the order. Following a cabinet meeting, President Yoon announced the reversal in a televised address, stating he was honoring the parliament’s decision.

The unprecedented move by President Yoon, who has faced mounting opposition since taking office in 2022, caused alarm internationally given South Korea’s status as a key US ally and a major Asian economy. The declaration was seen as a severe blow to democratic norms in a country that has been a democracy since the 1980s.

While the immediate crisis has abated, Al Jazeera’s Eunice Kim reports that the political fallout is far from over. The opposition is expected to pursue further action, and the incident highlights the deep political divisions within South Korea. The President’s call for the parliament to cease “repeated acts of impeachment, legislative obstruction, and other reckless actions” suggests further conflict is likely.

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Wed Dec 04 02:38:22 UTC 2024: ## South Korean President Reverses Controversial Martial Law Declaration After Parliament Rejection

**Seoul, South Korea** – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has revoked a controversial martial law declaration imposed just hours earlier, following an overwhelming parliamentary rejection. The decision, announced early Wednesday morning after a cabinet meeting, brought a temporary end to a major political crisis that sparked international concern.

President Yoon had declared martial law on Tuesday, citing a need to counter what he termed “anti-state forces” among his political opponents. This unprecedented move, however, was met with immediate and widespread condemnation. The National Assembly unanimously voted down the declaration, with all 190 lawmakers rejecting the measure. Protests erupted outside the parliament building, marking what many analysts called the country’s biggest political crisis in decades.

Under South Korean law, the president was obligated to rescind the martial law declaration following the parliament’s rejection. Even members of President Yoon’s own party urged him to reverse the decision.

The martial law declaration, which was announced with little prior warning, included sweeping restrictions on political activity, including the suspension of parliamentary proceedings, the prohibition of protests and strikes, and the placement of all media under military control. It also mandated the immediate return to work of striking healthcare workers under threat of arrest.

While President Yoon’s reversal of the declaration has eased immediate tensions, Al Jazeera’s Eunice Kim reported from Seoul that the underlying political divisions remain. The president’s actions have been widely criticized, and further political conflict is anticipated. Since taking office in 2022, President Yoon has faced significant challenges in advancing his agenda due to an opposition-controlled parliament and has also faced scrutiny over various scandals involving his wife and top officials. The crisis highlighted the deep political polarization within the country, raising international concerns about the stability of this key US ally and major Asian economy.

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