Sun Dec 08 11:29:04 UTC 2024: **South Korean Parliament Votes to End President Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration**

SEOUL, South Korea – In a stunning turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of emergency martial law late Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and alleging anti-state activities by the opposition. The move, announced in a televised address, immediately sparked widespread condemnation and led to a swift parliamentary rebuke.

President Yoon claimed the opposition’s actions, including alleged budget cuts hindering national operations and public safety, necessitated martial law to protect the country and its citizens. The declaration, overseen by General Park An-soo, imposed sweeping restrictions, including the prohibition of all political activities, labor strikes, and public gatherings. Media were placed under martial law command, and healthcare workers on strike were ordered to return to work within 48 hours. Violators faced arrest and seizure without warrant.

However, the National Assembly swiftly responded, with 190 out of 190 present members voting to demand the immediate revocation of martial law. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik declared the resolution passed. Even within President Yoon’s own ruling People Power Party, dissent was vocal, with party leader Han Dong-hoon openly criticizing the declaration.

The opposition Democratic Party, meanwhile, expressed alarm over the economic consequences and called for an emergency meeting. Party leader Lee Jae-myung warned of an irreversible collapse of the South Korean economy.

The declaration came amidst a protracted budget impasse between the ruling and opposition parties and follows a period of consistently low approval ratings for President Yoon, who has faced accusations of scandals involving his wife and top officials.

Al Jazeera’s Eunice Kim reported from Seoul that the announcement was met with widespread shock and confusion, highlighting President Yoon’s historically low approval rating of 25 percent. The situation remains highly volatile as the nation awaits the President’s response to the Parliament’s demand.

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