South Korea Martila law

The declaration of emergency martial law by the South Korean president has sent shockwaves through the nation.

In an unexpected broadcast speech late Tuesday night, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law and accused the nation's largest opposition party of anti-state activities and North Korean sympathies. Martial law was last imposed by a South Korean president in 1980 in response to a widespread rebellion spearheaded by trade unions and students. In his unexpected declaration, Yoon mentioned a plan to remove top prosecutors and reject the government's proposed budget by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in the National Assembly.

With 190 out of 300 members of parliament voting against the declaration, South Korean lawmakers voted shortly after it was made to lift the martial law order. The president's proclamation was deemed "invalid" by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik after the unanimous vote, and he was urged to "immediately withdraw" the emergency measures. “The people should feel at ease... The National Assembly will stand with the people to protect democracy,” said Woo, a member of the opposition liberal Democratic Party. The impact of the vote was not immediately apparent, but the president must abide by South Korean law.

The opposition's acts were described by Yoon as "blatantly anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion." The National Assembly has become a sanctuary for criminals, he added, and their actions "have paralyzed the state's affairs." He emphasized that the decision was made to preserve residents' rights and safety, ensure the country's stability, and leave a stable country for future generations. He described martial law as a necessary move to destroy these "shameless, pro-North, anti-state forces." “We will eliminate anti-state forces and return the country to normalcy as soon as possible,” Yoon assured the public. He pledged to make measures to lessen martial law's negative effects on the populace, acknowledging the possible inconveniences it may cause.

Yoon did not outline the specific restrictions that will be put into place, but according to Yonhap News, the martial law decree criminalizes "fake news" and "manipulation of public opinion," permits arrests without a warrant, and prohibits all political and parliamentary activities. According to Reuters, the decree also forbids "attempts to deny or dismantle free democracy" as well as rallies, strikes, and work stoppages that can provoke social unrest. This also applies to doctors who were on strike; they have been given a 48-hour notice to return to work. Dozens of troops who had entered the main legislative building prior to the vote were observed leaving just after 1 a.m. Wednesday in Seoul (11 p.m. ET Tuesday), according to local TV stations and the Korean newspaper *Chosun Ilbo*.

*Chosun Ilbo* stated that while some forces had set down their equipment, others are still on standby within the National Assembly complex. People gathered outside the building to celebrate the MPs' vote, with some yelling, "Long live the Republic of Korea!" and "Resign, Yoon Suk Yeol!"