South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea faces unrest as Parliament rejects martial law
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday night has plunged South Korea into political turmoil, with parliament swiftly rejecting the move and protests erupting across the nation. This marks the most significant challenge to the country’s democracy since its transition from authoritarian rule in the 1980s.
The martial law announcement, which Yoon framed as a response to “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces,” stunned South Koreans and led to an unprecedented standoff. Helmeted troops attempted to enter the National Assembly early Wednesday, but lawmakers and parliamentary staff pushed them back, with some using fire extinguishers.
Amid widespread opposition, including from Yoon’s own party leader, Han Dong-hoon, the National Assembly speaker declared the measure invalid, and lawmakers voted to overturn it.
Public and political backlash
The declaration sparked immediate protests outside the parliament building, with demonstrators chanting, “Withdraw emergency martial law!” and “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!” Critics, including former President Moon Jae-in, decried the move as a threat to democracy. Moon urged citizens to unite and support parliament in resisting authoritarianism.
Yoon’s justification for martial law focused on domestic political opponents rather than citing any immediate threat from North Korea, raising further concerns. The military command announced bans on parliamentary activities, political parties, and media operations under martial law authority, exacerbating fears of democratic backsliding.
Economic and international reactions
The Korean won plunged against the US dollar amid the political uncertainty, prompting South Korea’s central bank to prepare market-stabilization measures. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting with top economic officials.
Internationally, the United States expressed “grave concern,” with the White House monitoring the situation closely. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, underscoring the potential implications for regional stability.
As the crisis unfolds, Yoon faces mounting pressure to retract his decision, with his administration’s future increasingly uncertain in the face of domestic and global scrutiny.