A young woman stands in front of the National Assembly holding a placard demanding the immediate repeal of the illegal martial law. Photo by New Journalist Today
South Korea was plunged into a constitutional crisis late Tuesday night as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law at 10:30 PM, citing a need to "eradicate pro-North Korea forces and defend the liberal democratic order." Within hours, the National Assembly nullified the declaration in an emergency session, passing a resolution to lift the martial law with an overwhelming 190 out of 300 members in favor. The rest 110 members could not attend the emergency meeting.
The swift response from the National Assembly, held at 12:48 AM Monday, forced the Yoon administration to retract the martial law by 4:30 AM. Despite constitutional provisions mandating immediate compliance, the delay heightened tensions nationwide.
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A Historic Moment
This marked the first declaration of martial law in South Korea in 45 years, invoking memories of the nation's authoritarian past. Critics were quick to question the legality of the declaration, citing the lack of proper procedures such as Cabinet deliberation, as required by law.
Yoon's declaration included bans on political activities, the press, public assembly, and warrantless arrests for non-compliance.
Within hours, martial law forces occupied strategic locations, including the National Assembly building in Seoul's Yeouido district. Helicopters hovered over the parliament, and security forces blocked entry to lawmakers and media members, prompting some to scale fences to cast their votes in defiance.
Bipartisan Backlash
Remarkably, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties united against the declaration. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) formally requested its revocation, with floor leader Choo Kyung-ho urging Yoon to "respect the National Assembly's resolution immediately." Eighteen lawmakers aligned with PPP leader Han Dong-hoon also supported the resolution, signaling cracks in the party's loyalty to the president.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung condemned the declaration as "unconstitutional and illegal," while PPP leader Han Dong-hoon labeled it "void" following the Assembly’s resolution. Speaker Woo Won-shik, who oversaw the emergency session, affirmed that “the martial law proclamation is invalid, and democracy must prevail.”
International Condemnation
International observers expressed shock. The martial law declaration, described as "an unprecedented incident in a developed democracy," drew sharp criticism from foreign governments and organizations. Reports highlighted the swift parliamentary action as a testament to South Korea's democratic resilience but underscored the damage to Yoon’s domestic and international credibility.
Speculation and Allegations
Speculation surrounding the motivations behind Yoon's declaration has only intensified. Critics pointed to the sudden timing—just two days after the premiere of a controversial documentary alleging corruption by First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The documentary, titled First Lady, scrutinized her alleged involvement in political and financial scandals, leading some to question her influence on Yoon’s abrupt decision. Notably, key government figures, including ruling party leaders Han and Choo , were reportedly unaware of the declaration until it was announced. Therefore, arguing the abrupt decision was initiated by Kim was reasonable.
The South Korean government’s crackdown on press freedom took an alarming turn following the premiere of First Lady, a documentary alleging corruption by First Lady Kim Keon-hee. On November 3, the film debuted to critical acclaim and public intrigue, exposing alleged misconduct by the First Lady.
Within hours, the fallout began. On November 4, authorities conducted sweeping raids on individuals and organizations involved in the film's production and promotion. Targets included Seoul’s Voice, the media outlet behind the film, and investigative journalists such as Lee Myung-soo, Jang In-soo, and Choi Kyung-young, as well as Reverend Choi Jae-young, a central figure in the documentary.
The suddenness of the raids shocked the public and drew sharp criticism. A prominent attorney described the move as "deeply concerning," underscoring the gravity of the government's strange response.
Observers have linked the raids to the documentary's unflinching portrayal of alleged power abuses within the presidential office. Critics warn that the government's actions could undermine press freedom in South Korea, further intensifying political tensions.
Aftermath and Public Outrage
The declaration of martial law has provoked widespread protests, with citizens rallying outside the National Assembly and chanting for Yoon's impeachment and arrest. Analysts suggest the president's move could trigger lasting political fallout, including heightened scrutiny of his administration and mounting calls for impeachment.
Yoon defended his actions in a 4:27 AM press conference, stating, “I ordered the military to stand down following the National Assembly’s resolution. However, I urge lawmakers to cease legislative obstruction that paralyzes the government.” Critics, however, dismissed his remarks as an attempt to shift blame.
The Road Ahead
As public and political pressure mounts, South Korea’s democracy faces a critical test. Yoon’s administration must now navigate the aftermath of a decision that has not only shaken his presidency but also raised profound questions about the nation's constitutional safeguards.
The world watches closely as South Korea grapples with this extraordinary moment in its democratic history.
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