The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea has unanimously voted to demand the lifting of martial law, signaling an escalation of today’s unrest that testing the nation’s political resilience. Crowds gathered outside the National Assembly Proceeding Hall in Seoul erupted in celebration as the symbolic vote signaled a rejection of authoritarian overreach.
Despite that, South Korean military officials assert that martial law will remain in effect until the president decides to lift it.
Breaking: National Assembly votes to demand lifting of martial law. People gathered outside National Assembly celebrating pic.twitter.com/DE8M7es24c
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) December 3, 2024
The latest development in this dramatic turn of events follows President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law during an unannounced late-night television address. Accusing the opposition Democratic Party of colluding with North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities, Yoon painted a grim picture of alleged rebellion. His accusations stemmed from the opposition’s efforts to impeach key prosecutors and block the government’s budget proposal—actions Yoon described as “paralyzing state affairs” and “turning the National Assembly into a den of criminals.”
Yoon’s announcement marked South Korea’s first martial law declaration in four decades, following the country’s military dictatorship’s end in the 1980s.
The New York Times further explains the significance of today’s proclamation:
The country’s constitution states that the president may proclaim martial law when “required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilization of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.”
Army Gen. Park An-Su, who was appointed martial law commander by Mr. Yoon, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies. “All news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” General Park said.
His edict also banned labor activities and spreading “fake news.” Those who violate the decree can be arrested without a court warrant, it said. According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the martial law command says all media and publishers are to be under its control, and orders all medical staff including trainee doctors, many of whom have been on strike, to return to work in 48 hours. Those who violate the martial law can be arrested without a warrant.
HOLY SH*T
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 3, 2024
Things are going down in South Korea.
Soldiers are roughing up civilians.
Is this the "democracy" the United States tries so hard to promote in every part of the world?pic.twitter.com/62kG0k3ptV
The parliament firmly opposes Yoon’s claims. In a decisive 190-0 vote, lawmakers rejected the martial law decree, in defense of the country’s democratic institutions. Nevertheless, soldiers reportedly attempted to arrest lawmakers during and immediately after the vote.
South Korean Soldiers gathering outside of the Parliamentary Chamber within the National Assembly Building, are sprayed with a Fire Extinguisher; right after the Parliament voted against the Martial Law declared made earlier by President Yoon. pic.twitter.com/QiaMSURlpQ
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 3, 2024
CNN has additional details on President Yoon’s tenure:
Yoon was a newcomer to politics, having spent the previous 27 years of his career as a prosecutor. Since taking office – succeeding the liberal President Moon Jae-in – he has faced a raft of challenges, from the perma-threat of North Korea to rising tensions between South Korea’s major partners, the US and China – as well as plummeting birth rates.
Yoon has long taken a tough stance on North Korea, a shift from his predecessor, Moon, who favored dialogue and peaceful reconciliation. Yoon lambasted this approach as “subservient.”
Yoon promised to bulk up South Korea’s military, even hinting he would launch a pre-emptive strike if he saw signs of an offensive launch against Seoul.
But he has faced political battles at home, sparring with the opposition Democratic Party, which has repeatedly impeached ministers and frustrated the government’s fiscal plans.
Yoon’s ongoing political challenges with the Democratic Party, which controls parliament, have contributed to his declining approval ratings.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Dont want to copy No Korea
I am some what confused. Does south koura want to be under Kim’s dictatorship ? or do they want to be their own country. Under communism there is only one rule, what ever dictator says ????????? I think they should have purge day. All wanting KIM, leave as fast as you can, never come back. No more bickering. That was easy.
Why is there no reporting on what South Korea wants ? They do not want this , do not want that . Maybe Kimmy Mr. North Korea should bomb them Properly Then he will tell them what they need or do not need.. No more bickering, Just do as your told. One big family again ?????????