Sat Dec 07 13:29:27 UTC 2024: **South Korean President Declares, Then Lifts, Martial Law in Tense Political Showdown**
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, a move swiftly condemned as unconstitutional and authoritarian, before lifting the decree early Wednesday following a bipartisan parliamentary vote to reject military rule. The dramatic six-hour period saw troops surround the National Assembly, sparking widespread protests and international concern.
President Yoon cited his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament, accusing them of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government through “anti-state” activities. He vowed to eliminate these forces, a statement that harkened back to South Korea’s authoritarian past.
The imposition of martial law, the first since the country’s democratization in 1987, led to immediate backlash. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik declared the martial law “invalid” and lawmakers voted to overturn the president’s order. Troops subsequently withdrew from the National Assembly grounds.
Protests erupted outside the parliament building, with demonstrators blocking military vehicles and calling for President Yoon’s impeachment. While some scuffles broke out, there were no major reports of injuries.
The White House expressed serious concern over the events, stating that the U.S. administration had not been notified beforehand. The Pentagon confirmed that the situation had no impact on the 27,000 U.S. service members stationed in South Korea.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, of the Democratic Party, described the president’s actions as illegal and unconstitutional. Even members of President Yoon’s own party criticized the decision.
While lifting martial law, President Yoon continued to criticize the parliament’s actions, accusing them of legislative and budgetary manipulation. He maintains that his actions were necessary to protect the country from “national ruin.”
Experts described the president’s actions as a desperate gamble, potentially hastening his impeachment, a possibility that existed even before the declaration of martial law. The incident highlights a deep political divide and raises concerns about the future of democratic processes in South Korea.
First Piper 