South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s cabinet has reversed a martial law order in the country, just hours after he issued the surprise decree that plunged Seoul into political uncertainty and sparked fierce backlash from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
The cabinet decision came after Yoon backtracked on his shortlived decree in the early hours of Wednesday local time and withdrew the troops deployed to carry out the order.
South Korean lawmakers – who had scrambled earlier in the night to block the martial law order with a parliamentary vote – are now calling for resignations.
“The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” he added. “The minister of defense, who recommended this martial law, should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”
The last time a South Korean president declared martial law was in 1980, during a nationwide uprising led by students and labor unions.
Yoon had declared martial law in a surprise late-night address on Tuesday, reviving memories of a more painful, authoritarian past as troops attempted to enter the main hall of the National Assembly and people against the measure gathered outside following his announcement.
The president accused the main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities, citing a motion by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.
Lawmakers worked swiftly to block the martial law decree in the hours after Yoon’s declaration, with 190 of the 300 members of parliament voting to overturn the measure.
Hours of uncertainty
When he declared martial law, Yoon had labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.”
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in the address.
He described martial law as a necessary measure to eradicate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces,” justifying the decision as essential to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass on a stable nation to future generations.
While Yoon did not clarify what specific measures would be taken, Yonhap reported, citing the full military decree, which bans all political and parliamentary activities and allows arrests without a warrant.
The decree also prohibits “denying free democracy or attempting a subversion,” and outlaws “fake news” and “manipulating public opinion.” People who violate the decree can be arrested or raided without the need for a warrant, Yonhap added.
Citing the same document, Reuters reported that “strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos” are also prohibited. That includes doctors who had been engaged in a walkout; they have been ordered by the decree to return to work within 48 hours.
Just after 1 a.m. in Seoul on Wednesday morning (11 a.m. ET Tuesday), dozens of troops who had entered the main parliamentary building prior to the vote were seen withdrawing, according to Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo and local television stations.
Citizens waiting outside the building cheered when news came of the lawmakers’ vote, according to Chosun Ilbo – with some shouting, “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!”
President’s declaration stuns residents and lawmakers
The initial martial law announcement sent shockwaves through the country. Residents in Seoul rushed to be with family members, according to a CNN team on the ground.
“Walking through the streets, there are people who are running to their families’ homes to be with them, to figure out what to do, to be close to loved ones in this moment that is unprecedented in so many of our memories,” Mike Valerio reported from Seoul.
People were told by law enforcement that they could be arrested without warrants being needed under martial law, Valerio added.
“There are whole multitudes of people across (Seoul) who are stunned and are trying to figure out how an unpopular president made this move, what is going to happen next, and what this means for a democracy here in South Korea,” he said.
The leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, said the emergency martial law declaration was “unconstitutional,” calling it a move that “goes against the people,” Yonhap reported. “President Yoon declared emergency martial law for no reason,” Lee said. “Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country.”
When the president backtracked on his efforts in the early hours of Wednesday, he reiterated his criticism of the opposition party, saying they were frustrating the moves of his government in a statement.
“We request the National Assembly to immediately stop its reckless actions that paralyze the functions of the state through repeated impeachment, legislative manipulation, and budget manipulation,” he said.