South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law late Tuesday sparked controversy and opposition within the country. Yoon vowed to eliminate “anti-state” forces and accused the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea. However, parliament swiftly voted to lift the declaration, with the National Assembly Speaker calling for the protection of democracy.
Yoon’s move was reminiscent of authoritarian leaders from the 1980s and drew criticism from both the opposition and his own conservative party. The military announced the suspension of political gatherings causing “social confusion” and ordered striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours.
The declaration of martial law was lifted in parliament with unanimous support from lawmakers. Yoon’s conservative party leader called the decision wrong, while opposition leader Lee Jae-myung deemed it illegal and unconstitutional. Yoon defended his actions, stating that martial law was necessary to protect the country from potential ruin and eradicate pro-North Korean forces.
Yoon has faced challenges pushing his agenda with an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. His party’s impasse with the liberal opposition over the budget bill and motions to impeach top prosecutors have fueled tensions. The move for martial law is the first since South Korea’s democratization in 1987 and signifies a significant escalation in political tensions in the country.
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