Martial law was declared and revoked in six hours: What happened?

Seoul's Night of Crises

On the evening of December 3 (local time), South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered an unexpected televised address, declaring "emergency martial law." Accusing the opposition of "manipulating parliament and destabilizing the country," Yoon's sudden decision sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The Martial Law Command issued the first directive, allowing arrests without warrants for those violating the order. The announcement led to widespread panic among South Koreans.

Even within the ruling party, dissent surfaced. Han Dong-hoon, a Yoon's People Power Party representative, called the move a mistake and vowed to join citizens in opposing it. Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called on the public to gather at the National Assembly to "protect parliament."

Chaos ensued as the Assembly's entrances were blocked, preventing lawmakers from entering. Opposition members clashed with police at the gates, while throngs of citizens heeded Lee's call and surrounded the Assembly, demanding the martial law order be revoked. The military intervened, deploying troops to maintain order, and armored vehicles rolled into Seoul's city center. Police and soldiers occupied major roads and sealed off the National Assembly building.

In a dramatic turn of events, Lee Jae-Myung live-streamed himself climbing over a barricade to enter parliament.

Parliamentary revolt: Martial Law Revoked 

At around 4 a.m. on December 4, the National Assembly convened an emergency meeting. With 190 out of 300 lawmakers present, all voted in favor of a resolution to lift the martial law order, surpassing the constitutional majority required. The Speaker declared the martial law invalid and demanded the withdrawal of soldiers and police from the Assembly, which was met with applause and cheers. Soon after, troops began leaving the premises.

Under the South Korean Constitution, if most lawmakers demand the president revoke martial law, the president must comply, or impeachment proceedings will begin. If two-thirds of parliament supports impeachment, the president can be removed from office.

At 4:27 a.m. on December 4, President Yoon announced the revocation of martial law via a live broadcast—just over six hours after it had been imposed.

Public Outrage and Political Fallout

By the morning of December 4, citizens gathered in protests demanding Yoon's resignation. The ruling People Power Party held an emergency meeting to discuss the aftermath of Yoon's decision. Reports indicate that party leaders reached a partial consensus on several issues, including Yoon's potential departure from the party, the collective resignation of the cabinet, and the dismissal of Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup.

The political future of South Korea remains uncertain, with tensions running high.

Voices of Despair

The crisis has left ordinary citizens shaken. A Chinese student studying in South Korea described the nation's fear and uncertainty. Universities, including Dong-A University, issued emergency notices canceling classes on December 4. The student noted that many South Koreans harbor deep resentment toward Yoon. A Korean friend reportedly called the president a "madman" and lamented, "Our country is doomed."

Global Implications

The crisis in South Korea unfolds as geopolitical tensions mount worldwide. From the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the resurgence of unrest in Georgia and Syria, the world seems to be teetering on the edge. The Korean Peninsula's crisis only adds to this volatile mix, with North Korea potentially in the crosshairs.

A Ta Kung Pao commentary pointedly questioned the role of the United States, suggesting that South Korea, often hailed as a "model democracy," has exposed the flaws of "American-style democracy." If such chaos can erupt in a country under long-term U.S. military influence, what does it say about U.S. democracy itself?

The outcome of this crisis remains to be seen, but it has drawn intense international attention.

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