On Wednesday morning, Dec. 4th, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law across South Korea on live television, causing panic and outrage among citizens. Thousands of people gathered outside the parliament building in Seoul. Less than seven hours later, the order was rescinded, and President Yoon now faces impeachment, with multiple calls for his resignation.
Martial law replaces civilian rule with military control during crises like war, rebellion or natural disasters. Military commanders gain full authority, and violations can result in arrests without warrants and suspension of rights, such as freedom of speech or press. During the six-hour martial law declaration, the government ordered the ban of political activity, restricted media, and sent fully equipped personnel into the general assembly. Doctors on strike were also ordered to return to work, even in the middle of the night.
President Yoon claimed the martial law declaration was necessary to protect South Korea from North Korean threats. In his speech, Yoon said, “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces… and to protect the free constitutional order.” However, he did not mention any specific threats posed by North Korea. After lifting the order, he emphasized his desire to protect the country from “anti-state forces” and claimed it would safeguard South Korea from the “threat of North Korean communist forces.”
Despite this explanation, the backlash was swift and intense. Protesters, including Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s own People Power Party, spoke out against the declaration. Han posted on Facebook, “together with the people, we will stop this.” Other protesters echoed this sentiment, insisting that there was no justification for the president to declare martial law. South Korean opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, accused President Yoon of betraying the people, emphasizing the negative impact the declaration had on citizens.
In South Korea, martial law can only be lifted by a majority vote in parliament, which obligates the president to revoke it. In this case, all 190 lawmakers present voted to lift the order. Normally, there are 300 members in the assembly, but an emergency session was called early that morning. The motion’s overwhelming support highlighted the widespread opposition to the declaration. Additionally, 18 members from President Yoon’s own party voted against the decision, calling it unconstitutional.
President Yoon’s actions sparked national outrage, and his party initially stopped backing impeachment efforts in favor of pressuring him to resign. However, after Yoon’s defiant speech on Dec. 5th, his party withdrew its support and decided to work with the opposition. Lawmakers, now free from party pressures, are expected to vote based on their individual beliefs when the impeachment motion is heard. A vote is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13th. President Yoon had previously survived an impeachment motion when his support party boycotted the vote, but the loss of their support now has made impeachment a real possibility.
The effects of the martial law declaration are still being felt. The value of the South Korean won dropped to a two-year low on Dec. 5th, with 1423 won to 1 U.S. dollar. The South Korean stock market also experienced a 2% drop, which is expected to continue. The finance ministry has pledged to support the national economy if needed.
The martial law declaration shocked the nation, and international officials, including those from the United States, Britain, and Germany, have expressed concern. More reports will follow as the impeachment hearings unfold. There are no current updates on what will happen if President Yoon is impeached.
