SEOUL, South Korea — In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration lifted the martial law early Wednesday, which was imposed amidst a politically charged night where troops encircled the parliament and lawmakers voted against military rule.
President Yoon announced the withdrawal of military personnel following a bipartisan parliamentary vote that rejected martial law. The measure was officially lifted around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday during a Cabinet meeting.
Yoon had declared martial law late Tuesday, promising to eradicate “anti-state” forces as he battles an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and which he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
However, less than three hours later, the parliament voted to lift the declaration. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik stated that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.”
The president’s unexpected move was reminiscent of an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not witnessed since the 1980s. It was promptly condemned by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party.
Police and military personnel were seen departing the Assembly’s grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, stated that the party’s lawmakers will remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.
Woo praised the swift departure of troops from the Assembly after the vote.
“Despite our unfortunate history of military coups, our citizens have surely observed today’s events and recognized the maturity of our military,” Woo said.
While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach his key government officials and senior prosecutors and lawmakers’ “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.”
Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, alleged that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a manner that suggested they were attempting to arrest Lee, Woo, and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party.
Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday.
Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment.
At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state.
The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote.
Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause ”social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant.
Speaking at an event with Japan’s ambassador to Washington, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, a longtime Asia diplomat, reiterated that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is “ironclad” and the U.S. would “stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty.”
The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools.
Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to ”remain calm and hold their positions.
All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote.
Hours earlier, TV showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building.
An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site.
The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, called the decision to impose martial law “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called Yoon’s announcement “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”
“I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.”
Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.
During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” but he did not elaborate.
Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement.
Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.
Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee.
Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy in South Korea” that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022.
South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye.
Park, the country’s first female president, was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017.
I disagree with the revocation of the Martial Law Decree. It was necessary for restoring order and stability in South Korea.
I agree with the revocation of the Martial Law Decree. It was a step towards upholding democracy in South Korea.
I agree with the revocation of Martial Law Decree. It shows a commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.