South Korea’s Parliament Defies President, Lifts Martial Law

South Korea/ martial law/ President Yoon Suk Yeol/ parliament vote/ democratic principles/ opposition party/ political crisis/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ South Korea’s parliament voted to overturn President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law. The president had invoked martial law to counter “anti-state” forces, sparking backlash across political lines. Lawmakers swiftly acted to restore democratic order, underscoring tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

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South Korea’s Martial Law Uproar: Quick Looks

• President’s Action: Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law to counter “anti-state” forces.
• Parliament Response: Legislators overturn the declaration, citing democratic principles.
• Military Role: Soldiers were deployed to restrict access to the National Assembly.
• Opposition Backlash: Critics called the move unconstitutional and reminiscent of authoritarian rule.
• Protests Surge: Striking doctors and opposition groups rally against martial law.
• Historical Context: First martial law declaration since South Korea’s democratization in 1987.

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South Korea’s Parliament Defies President, Lifts Martial Law

Deep Look

President Yoon’s Shocking Move

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law Tuesday marked a dramatic escalation in the nation’s political crisis. The president justified the move as necessary to eliminate “anti-state” forces he accused of sympathizing with North Korea. This unprecedented action evoked memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, drawing immediate condemnation from opposition lawmakers and even members of Yoon’s own conservative party.

In a televised address, Yoon argued that martial law would “rebuild and protect” South Korea, warning against the nation “falling into the depths of national ruin.” However, his critics quickly labeled the declaration as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.

Parliament Takes a Stand

Defying the president, South Korea’s opposition-controlled parliament convened an emergency session and voted to lift the martial law order. The Democratic Party, which holds a majority, led the charge to overturn the decree. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik appealed for calm and urged law enforcement and military personnel to respect the parliamentary decision.

Despite attempts by police and soldiers to block access to the National Assembly, lawmakers succeeded in nullifying the martial law declaration. Footage showed tense scenes, including military helicopters landing on Assembly grounds and armed soldiers restricting entry to the legislature.

Opposition Voices and Public Reaction

Prominent opposition leaders, including Lee Jae-myung, denounced Yoon’s actions as a breach of democratic principles. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, described the declaration as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, also criticized the move, emphasizing the need to protect democratic norms.

Protests erupted across the country, fueled by striking doctors angered by government policies. The military had issued an ultimatum for doctors to return to work within 48 hours or face arrest, further intensifying public discontent.

Political Tensions and Underlying Motives

Yoon’s presidency has faced significant challenges, including an opposition-controlled parliament that has stalled his legislative agenda. The Democratic Party has pushed to impeach top prosecutors investigating its leader, Lee Jae-myung, seen as a frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election. Meanwhile, Yoon has rejected calls for independent probes into alleged scandals involving his administration and family, further fueling political acrimony.

Observers suggest Yoon’s martial law declaration was an attempt to consolidate power amid declining approval ratings. However, the move has backfired, sparking widespread backlash and strengthening calls for his resignation.

Historical Context and Democratic Resilience

This was South Korea’s first declaration of martial law since democratization in 1987, highlighting the fragility of its hard-won democratic institutions. The country’s last use of martial law occurred in 1979, during a period of political turmoil under authoritarian rule. Yoon’s decision to invoke martial law has revived painful memories of that era, with many South Koreans expressing alarm over the potential erosion of democratic freedoms.

Looking Ahead

The swift parliamentary vote to overturn martial law underscores South Korea’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. However, the crisis has exposed deep divisions within the nation’s political landscape. As President Yoon faces mounting criticism, the incident may serve as a pivotal moment in his administration, shaping the trajectory of South Korea’s democracy for years to come.

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