Photo by Office of the President Republic of Korea
Following a tumultuous night in which troops encircled parliament and MPs voted to reject military control, the president of South Korea has bowed to political pressure and removed the martial law he imposed on the nation hours earlier.
As he fights against opponents who control parliament and whom he accuses of having ties with communist North Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol, who seemed likely to be impeached for his actions, declared martial law late Tuesday in disdain with the opposition and vowed to eradicate “anti-state” forces.
Following the bipartisan vote to overrule the president, police and military personnel were observed departing the parliament grounds. The proclamation was formally withdrawn during a Cabinet meeting at approximately 4.30am local time (6.30am AEDT).
The National Assembly Speaker, Woo Won Shik, quickly intervened when martial law was imposed, stating that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.”
Martial law lasted almost six hours in total.
Woo praised the troops’ prompt departure from the Assembly following the vote.
“Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo stated.
Yoon continued to attack parliament’s efforts to remove leading prosecutors and important government officials while announcing his intention to end martial law.
The state’s functions are being paralyzed by “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation,” according to him.
