Yoon declared martial law around 10:30 p.m. local time Tuesday in an unannounced late-night TV address, accusing the country’s main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and of “anti-state” activities.
Martial law refers to granting the military temporary rule during an emergency, which the president has the constitutional ability to declare. But the announcement hit like a bombshell, sending shock waves through a democratic nation and sparking an astonishing late-night political showdown.
Martial law refers to granting the military temporary rule during an emergency, which the president has the constitutional ability to declare. But the announcement hit like a bombshell, sending shock waves through a democratic nation and sparking an astonishing late-night political showdown.
Martial law takes effect, and crowds have already started to gather at the National Assembly where they are greeted by riot police stationed outside the building to hold them back.
As one armored military vehicle approaches, a small group of protesters surrounds it, refusing to let it pass, as they yell at the soldiers buttoned up inside. Police arrive at the scene en masse, clearing the protesters and then running alongside the vehicle to keep the route open as it finally continues on its way.
Outside the Assembly, protesters wave signs and chant slogans, such as “Martial law is invalid” and “Yoon Suk Yeol step down!” Some turn their attention toward the military and police, chanting “Withdraw! Withdraw!”
As three helicopters pass overhead, one woman looks up and says sarcastically: “Isn’t this a historical moment?”
The president has the prerogative to declare martial law, a parliament vote can end it.
At 11:28 p.m., the South Korean military announces controls on the media and the suspension of political activities but takes no immediate steps to enforce the proclamation.
By around midnight, the number of lawmakers who arrive at parliament exceeds 150, meeting the quorum requirement, but many who reach the building after police and soldiers get there struggle to access the main chamber.
Lawmakers vote 190 to 0 to lift martial law and minutes after, security forces begin leaving the National Assembly building.
President Yoon returns to the lectern in his second national address of the night, telling Koreans that parliament has voted to end martial law and that he has ordered the withdrawal of the military forces he deployed.
He reiterates his accusations against the opposition, however, saying that he requests “that the parliament immediately ceases the reckless actions that are paralyzing the functions of the state, such as repeated impeachment, legislative manipulation and budget manipulation.”
At about 4:30 a.m., martial law is officially lifted, following an emergency meeting of Yoon’s Cabinet.
More Details about this Declared Martial Law
