High tension in South Korea after the South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol he declared emergency martial lawbeing invoked as a “necessary measure to protect the country from the communist forces of North Korea”.
The action was cancelled unanimously after the vote of the National Assemblywhich happened in a bold way.To prevent this they were sent ashore helicopters on the roof of Parliament South Korea, where the troops of the military command were created after the declaration of martial law.
the president backtracked when he announced that martial law, which he himself recognized, would be revoked after Parliament voted against it.
Here is a reconstruction of what happened.
In a speech broadcast live on television to the nation, the president saeid South korea declares emergency martial law. The head of state, Yoon Suk Yeolsays the measure is necessary to protect the country from “communist forces”. “To defend liberal South Korea against threats from North Korean communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” he said.
Following the president’s decision, which stated the need to “eliminate pro-North Korean forces and support the constitutional order” while protecting it, the South Korean Defense Minister provides “a commanders meeting” of the armed forces, “wanting to more surveillance” and ordering the army “to wait in guard situation emergency”.
Live television shows several helicopters landing on the roof of Parliament South Korea. Chief of Staff of the Army General Park An-su is appointed commander of martial law. Among the first set measures, the mass ban parliamentary activities and political parties.
The military command announces a a decree prohibiting all political activity,Parliament evenas well as protests and political party activities.
The decree issued by General Park an-su comes into force at 11.00 pm (3.00 pm in Italy) and it also puts all media and publishers under scrutinyas well as ordering trainee doctors to return to work promptly within 48 hours. everyone those who violate martial law, “may be arrested or searched without a warrant“, based on the decree.
Hundreds of people gather in front of Parliament to protest against the imposition of martial law, as shown on live television.
“Open the gate, please. Your job is to protect the national Assembly.Why do you stand there and watch the MPs being trampled?” shouts a middle-aged man at a group of policemen guarding the gate.
Shortly before that, iopposition leader Lee Jae-myung he asked people to gather in front of the Assembly to protest, denouncing the new martial law as “illegal”.
Woo Won-shik, the speaker of the National Assembly, asks all the deputies to gather in the main chamber of the assembly to discuss how to respond to the declaration of martial law. But live videos show police and soldiers blocking access to Parliament.
Indeed
Parliament has the power by a simple majority vote, abolish martial law and the majority of the opposition is from the Democratic Party, which has 170 of the 300 seats in the one-room institution.
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung films himself in a live broadcast on Instagram climbing over the fence to enter parliament, shortly after the declaration of martial law.
“President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law for no reason, which put the country in the hands of the military – Lee criticized in the live broadcast - They can’t let him pass, tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers with guns and knives soon. to rule the country”. “From this moment on, Yoon is no longer the president of the Republic of Korea,” Lee said.
During a night session of the National Assembly,a resolution is adopted asking to end the martial law declared in South Korea.190 out of 300 deputies are present and they all voted in favor of the rise.
According to the law, president Yoon must comply soon.
The troops leave the building, but the South Korean army declares that it will “enforce martial law until the president lifts it”, according to local television reports.
South Korea: protest outside the National Assembly headquarters in Seoul, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, December 3, 2024 (AFP)
Yoon’s surprise move happened, late in the evening, while he was in Parliament People Power Partyin power in Seoul, and the main opposition force, the Democratic Partythey continue to argue bitterly in relation to the budget proposal for 2025: a tense conflict but not allowing one to imagine a draconian movement like martial law, which dates back to the past decades and the dark period of the long military dictatorship.
South korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law, Seoul, December 3, 2024 (AFP)
So the majority and the opposition joined in criticizing the law. Han Dong-hoon, head of the People Power Partyhe explained “wrong” the move and will certainly add a “block” to the people’s support, according to a note released by Yoon’s television message soon.In the same way, answer the Democratic Partywhich he talked about “unconstitutional” action.”, calling for an emergency assembly of the National Assembly, Seoul’s parliament.
In response, the president accused the opposition activities “against the State”. In his surprise evening televised message to the nation, Yoon said emergency martial law was a necessary step during parliamentary wrangling over a budget proposal. “Without regard for the livelihood of the people, the opposition party has paralyzed the government just for the sake of impeachment, special investigations and to protect their leader from justice,” Yoon added.
South Korea’s currency fell against the dollar after the surprise declaration of martial law: The win slipped to 1,430 per greenback in overnight trade, at the lowest levels since October 2022 of 1,432.4. In onshore trading, the Seoul currency closed at 1,402.9 at 3.30 pm local time, down 1.6%.
South Korean armed forces enter the parliament in Seoul (X)
The US declarednoted that they are “closely monitoring the situation” in South Koreaclosely related to Washington. The US government “is in contact with the government of the Republic of Korea and is closely monitoring the situation,” a White House National Security Council spokesman said in a statement.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, speaking at a State Department event, said: “we have every hope and expectation that any political dispute in South Korea will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.”
The Kremlin called the situation in south Korea “alarming” after the declaration of martial law and is closely monitoring developments, said russian President dmitry Peskov’s spokesman. “the situation is alarming. We are watching closely,” said peskov. Interfax reports it.
“President Yoon declared martial law on december 3, 2024.Political activities and meetings are thus banned. Clashes between the army and protesters were recorded in the Parliament area. Possible disruption of the link is reported The best is communicated to our colleagues. Be careful when you travel, avoid gatherings and demonstrations and follow the instructions of the local authorities”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ ‘Safe travel’ website writes this for South Korea.
In case of emergency, the Embassy of Italy in Seoul can be reached at +821022420491.
“South Korea is one of our allies and it moves in a complex context in the Indo-Pacific region, with North Korea becoming more aggressive: we have sent clear political messages to Pyongyang not to try to take advantage of a situation of political conflict anywhere” inside the South Korean Parliament”, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told NATO.
What are the implications of martial law on democracy in South Korea?
And expressed outrage at the military’s intervention in political affairs.
Ecclesiastical Context
The unexpected declaration of martial law has not only stirred political unrest but also alarmed various social and religious organizations within South Korea. Religious leaders have called for peace and dialog, emphasizing the importance of preserving democratic values. They fear that such extreme measures reminiscent of past military dictatorships could lead to further instability and division within the contry.
International Reactions
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in South Korea. Several Western nations and international watchdog organizations have expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of Yoon’s martial law declaration, urging the South Korean government to respect democratic norms and human rights. Diplomatic channels are reportedly being activated to assess the situation and encourage a resolution that avoids further unrest.
Next steps
As the situation evolves,it remains critical for the South Korean government to navigate the backlash from both the public and political factions. Analysts suggest that any further attempts to enforce martial law could lead to severe consequences for Yoon’s governance, possibly culminating in widespread protests. The upcoming days will be crucial as Parliament prepares to vote on the resolution to revoke martial law, and pressures mount on Yoon to comply with the majority’s wishes. Public sentiment is poised to influence the political landscape significantly, as citizens demand accountability and restoration of their rights.
the declaration of martial law by president Yoon has sparked widespread political turmoil, protests, and international concern. The response from Parliament and the public will ultimately determine the trajectory of South Korea’s political future.