South Korean President reverses martial law order after ‘surprise’ announcement

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s cabinet has reversed a surprise martial law order issued by the president, which had plunged the country into political turmoil and sparked intense backlash. The unexpected decree, announced late Tuesday, led to widespread concern and confusion, with troops deployed to enforce the order. However, within hours, Yoon backtracked, and the cabinet withdrew the military presence, signaling the end of the controversial decision.

The martial law declaration was made amid a growing political standoff with the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in South Korea’s National Assembly. Yoon accused the opposition of undermining the state by sympathizing with North Korea and obstructing government efforts. Specifically, he criticized the Democratic Party for proposing motions to impeach top prosecutors and rejecting the government’s budget plan, actions he claimed were aimed at destabilizing the country. The president described these acts as “anti-state behavior,” accusing the opposition of inciting rebellion and paralyzing state affairs.

The martial law declaration sent shockwaves through South Korean society, with the National Assembly’s halls quickly becoming the center of heated protests. Lawmakers, alarmed by the sudden imposition of military control, swiftly moved to block the decree. In a tense parliamentary vote, 190 of the 300 members voted to overturn the martial law, demonstrating a unified opposition across the political spectrum. The military forces deployed were then recalled, and Yoon’s administration faced mounting pressure to explain the drastic decision.

The Democratic Party condemned the martial law order as an overreach, accusing Yoon of attempting to dismantle South Korea’s democratic principles. Party leaders called for the president’s immediate resignation, warning that they would initiate impeachment proceedings if he failed to step down. “We will not sit idly by and watch President Yoon’s crime of destroying the Constitution and trampling on democracy,” the opposition declared.

The ruling People’s Power Party also voiced strong criticism of Yoon’s actions. Party leader Han Dong-hoon issued a public apology and demanded the dismissal of the defense minister, who had recommended the martial law. “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” Han stated, adding that those responsible for the order should be held accountable.

This incident evokes memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, the last martial law being declared in 1980 during a student-led uprising. The swift reversal of Yoon’s decision has left the nation grappling with questions about the stability of its democracy and the future direction of its leadership.