South Korea Parliament Votes to Overturn President Yoon's Martial Law

Edited by Evans Momodu
3 Minutes read


South Korea's parliament has voted to overturn President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, a dramatic move aimed at halting what lawmakers described as an unconstitutional overreach.

The decision came just hours after Yoon's announcement, which sparked widespread backlash from both opposition leaders and members of his own conservative party.

Background

President Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday, citing a need to eliminate "anti-state forces" he accused of undermining the country’s constitutional order and sympathising with North Korea.

This marked a striking return to measures unseen since South Korea's transition to democracy in the 1980s. The announcement came amid ongoing tensions between Yoon and the opposition-controlled parliament, which has challenged his agenda and accused his administration of corruption and authoritarian tendencies.

The declaration empowered the military to suspend political gatherings and enforce work resumption for striking doctors.

It also allowed for arrests without warrants for those violating martial law. Soldiers were deployed around the National Assembly, and helicopters were seen landing on its grounds, further escalating tensions.

Parliament's Response

Under South Korean law, martial law can be revoked with a majority vote in parliament. The opposition Democratic Party, which holds the majority, convened an emergency session despite initial military efforts to block access to the National Assembly. Lawmakers quickly voted to nullify the martial law declaration, a move that reflects the country’s strong institutional safeguards against authoritarianism.

Political Fallout

Yoon’s decision to impose martial law has drawn condemnation across the political spectrum. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, Yoon’s rival in the 2022 presidential election, called the move "illegal and unconstitutional."
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, also criticised the declaration as “wrong” and vowed to work against it alongside the public.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called for calm, urging military and police personnel to avoid escalating the situation further.

Public Reaction

The announcement has deeply divided public opinion in a nation still sensitive to the scars of past authoritarian regimes. While Yoon urged citizens to tolerate “some inconveniences” for the sake of national stability, protests erupted nationwide, with critics accusing him of attempting to consolidate power under the guise of protecting the constitution.

Broader Context

Yoon's presidency has faced challenges, including an impasse with parliament over budget negotiations and opposition efforts to impeach key prosecutors seen as aligned with his administration.

His approval ratings have declined amid these struggles, along with allegations of misconduct involving his wife and senior officials.

This episode marks the most severe political crisis of Yoon’s tenure and raises questions about South Korea's democratic resilience and the limits of presidential authority in a system designed to prevent the return of authoritarian rule.
Source: AP