South Korea experienced a political crisis on Tuesday night as the National Assembly overturned President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law, a decision that triggered widespread public outrage and protests. In a rare late-night session, 190 of the 300 lawmakers across both ruling and opposition parties voted to reject the decree, effectively nullifying it just hours after its announcement.
The martial law declaration, South Korea’s first since 1980, was announced in an unscheduled address by President Yoon, who described it as a necessary measure to combat “anti-state” and “pro-North Korean forces.” The sweeping powers would have suspended political and parliamentary activities, enabled warrantless arrests and imposed strict controls on dissent, including bans on “fake news” and “manipulating public opinion.”
The announcement was met with immediate backlash, as thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly in Seoul, chanting slogans such as “Withdraw emergency martial law!” and “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.” Clashes erupted between protesters and security forces near the Parliament building, where helmeted soldiers armed with rifles and armoured vehicles were deployed to secure the area.
Footage shared on social media showed troops briefly entering the Parliament through broken windows, escalating tensions. Police officers formed barricades to prevent demonstrators from storming the Assembly.
Inside the National Assembly, opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party accused President Yoon of attempting a political coup and violating constitutional principles. The emergency session culminated in a unanimous vote to reject the martial law decree, prompting the Assembly Speaker to formally declare it invalid.
Following the parliamentary decision, troops began withdrawing from the area and demonstrators outside celebrated the reversal by chanting, clapping and embracing one another.
Under South Korean law, the president must immediately lift martial law if demanded by a majority vote in Parliament. Even members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) urged him to rescind the decree, further isolating the embattled leader.
The declaration drew international concern, with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressing “grave concern” and emphasising the need for peaceful resolution and adherence to democratic principles.
Former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang criticised the move as “shocking” and “unjustified,” stating that it lacked legal grounds and undermined Yoon’s authority. She welcomed Parliament’s swift rejection, describing it as a relief for the country’s democracy.
The Korean won suffered a sharp decline against the US dollar in response to the political turmoil. The martial law declaration also exacerbated President Yoon’s struggles in implementing his agenda, as opposition parties hold a majority in Parliament.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has faced significant challenges in governing, with critics accusing him of authoritarian tendencies. The martial law episode has further strained his presidency, raising questions about his political future and South Korea’s democratic stability.
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