South Korean President Yoon Withdraws Martial Law Within Hours
Brief Martial Law Imposed and Reversed Following Parliamentary Opposition
In a surprising turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol revoked a martial law order just six hours after its announcement.
At 4:30 am local time, President Yoon addressed the nation, stating that, in response to a unanimous vote by the National Assembly against the emergency measure, the military would be withdrawn and martial law lifted through a Cabinet meeting.
This decision followed strong opposition from parliamentarians who decried the move that aimed to suppress 'anti-state forces' by banning political activity and censoring the media.
The imposition of martial law, the first in South Korea since 1980, immediately triggered protests outside the National Assembly, with security forces resorting to tear gas as protesters gathered.
International concern was sparked by the situation, given South Korea’s standing as a major Asian economy and a democratic ally of the United States.
Despite ongoing threats from North Korea, President Yoon did not cite any specific threats from the North for his drastic decision.
The martial law announcement came in the backdrop of political pressure, as President Yoon's People Power Party suffered a significant electoral defeat, leaving him with low national approval ratings.
At 4:30 am local time, President Yoon addressed the nation, stating that, in response to a unanimous vote by the National Assembly against the emergency measure, the military would be withdrawn and martial law lifted through a Cabinet meeting.
This decision followed strong opposition from parliamentarians who decried the move that aimed to suppress 'anti-state forces' by banning political activity and censoring the media.
The imposition of martial law, the first in South Korea since 1980, immediately triggered protests outside the National Assembly, with security forces resorting to tear gas as protesters gathered.
International concern was sparked by the situation, given South Korea’s standing as a major Asian economy and a democratic ally of the United States.
Despite ongoing threats from North Korea, President Yoon did not cite any specific threats from the North for his drastic decision.
The martial law announcement came in the backdrop of political pressure, as President Yoon's People Power Party suffered a significant electoral defeat, leaving him with low national approval ratings.
