◇December 3, 2024
▶10:28 PM
-President Yoon Seok-yeol declares martial law and makes emergency special address to the public
▶10:40 PM
-Democratic Party urgently convenes National Assembly following President Yoon’s declaration of martial law
▶10:59 PM
-The Peopel Power Party convenes an emergency council to declare martial law.
▶11:14 PM
-Woo Won-sik,speaker of the National Assembly,urgently returns to the National Assembly following martial law declaration
▶11:25 PM
-Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo appointed as martial law commander
▶11:27 PM
-Martial Law Command announces Proclamation No. 1
◇December 4, 2024
▶00:02 AM
- Emergency press conference by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik… “We respond to the President’s declaration of martial law in accordance with the constitutional procedures of the national Assembly.”
▶00:07 AM
-Martial law forces enter the National Assembly grounds
▶00:21 AM
-Woo Won-sik, sitting in the chairman’s chair at the plenary session of the National Assembly
▶00:22 AM
-Martial law forces block the entrance to the main building of the National Assembly
▶00:27 AM
-Martial law forces attempt to enter the main gate of the National Assembly headquarters… No, stop the fight
▶00:45 AM
-Martial law troops entered the main building of the National Assembly after destroying the windows.
▶00:48 AM
-National Assembly begins plenary session in response to declaration of martial law
▶1:00 AM
-A resolution requesting the lifting of martial law is submitted to the National Assembly.
▶1:01 am
-The National Assembly passes the resolution to lift martial law with the approval of all 190 members present.
▶1:14 am
-All martial law troops who entered the main building of the National Assembly withdrew from the premises.
▶4:20 a.m.
-President Yoon Seok-yeol, address to the nation lifting martial law
▶4:30 a.m.
-President Yoon Seok-yeol approves ‘martial law lifting plan’ at the Cabinet meeting
▶9:37 a.m.
-Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok and Senior Secretary to the President collectively expressed their resignation
▶10:45 a.m.
– National assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik spoke on the phone with the U.S. Ambassador for about 8 minutes, saying, “We fully support Korean democracy.”
▶11 a.m.
-Prime minister Han Deok-soo holds a meeting with State Council members on pending martial law-related issues… Discussion of expression of all companies
▶1pm
-Democratic Party holds emergency national convention in front of the main building of the National Assembly
▶2:43 PM
-6 opposition parties propose impeachment bill against President Yoon Seok-yeol
▶5pm
-President Yoon Seok-yeol meets with party leaders, including Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, Representative Han Dong-hoon, and Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho, at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Samcheong-dong.
▶5:45 PM
-Democratic Party proposes impeachment of Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun for ‘suggesting martial law’
◇December 5, 2024
▶00:48 AM
-Report from the plenary session of the National assembly on the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol
-Report from the plenary session of the National Assembly on the impeachment of Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun
▶8:30 a.m.
-President Yoon Seok-yeol accepts the resignation of Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun… dismissal
▶10 a.m.
-Questions on pending issues from the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee, Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min, National Police Agency Commissioner Jo Ji-ho, etc.
-Questions on pending issues from the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, Vice Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho, Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, etc.
▶1:30 PM
-Democratic Party reports eight people, including President Yoon Seok-yeol, Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, and Minister of Public Administration and Security lee Sang-min, to the National Investigation Headquarters for treason.
▶6:22 PM
-The opposition Public Administration and Security Committee adopts a resolution calling for the prompt arrest of Kim Yong-hyun, Lee Sang-min
◇December 6, 2024
▶9:30 a.m.
-CEO Han Dong-hoon “Needs suspension of execution of duties”… Reversal of stance against impeachment
▶9:50 a.m.
Lee Jae-myeong “尹, the leader of crimes against the country… “We must follow investigation, arrest, detention, prosecution, and punishment procedures.”
▶11 a.m.
-People Power Emergency Council begins
-After the Democratic Party’s emergency meeting, “Members of the National Assembly will be on emergency standby after the second martial law report was received.”
▶3:25 PM
-Chairman Woo Won-sik said, “Please postpone… “A second martial law will not be tolerated.”
-Opposition party lawmakers block the main building of the National Assembly and protest amid rumors of President Yoon visiting the National Assembly
▶4pm
– Democratic Party, People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho accuses National Investigation Headquarters of being an accomplice to treason
▶8:40 PM
– Democratic Party votes to impeach Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min
▶11:18 PM
-The People Power Party Emergency Meeting ended in 10 hours… “We maintain our party stance against the impeachment of President Yoon.”
◇December 7, 2024
▶10 a.m.
-President Yoon Seok-yeol’s address to the nation: “I apologize for causing anxiety and inconvenience to the people due to martial law… “It is indeed up to the party to run the political situation in the future, including the term of office.”
▶10:30 a.m.
– democratic Party proposes impeachment bill for Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min
▶10:33 AM
– Lee Jae-myeong, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, “There is no other way than immediate resignation or impeachment and early resignation.”
▶4:33 PM
-The People Power Party confirms the party line of ‘opposition’ to both the impeachment bill and the special prosecution bill for ms. Kim.
▶5:04 PM
-Report from the National Assembly plenary session on the impeachment motion of Minister of Public Administration and Security lee Sang-min
▶5:44 PM
-Special Prosecutor Kim Kun-hee’s Act, 3rd Re-vote Rejected… Agree 198, Disagree 102
▶6:01 PM
– Floor leader Choo Kyung-ho expressed his intention to resign.
▶9:26 PM
-President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment was abolished…195 people participated in voting on impeachment bill, ‘vote failed’
What are teh implications of martial law in South Korea for democratic governance?
Time News Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here with dr. Kim Jae-hwan, a political analyst specializing in South Korean governance and constitutional law, to discuss the recent declaration of martial law by President Yoon Seok-yeol. Dr. Kim, welcome.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time News Editor: Let’s dive right into it. President Yoon’s declaration caught many by surprise. What do you think prompted this drastic measure?
Dr.Kim: Well, this was indeed an unprecedented step. The decision to declare martial law typically signifies a goverment responding to extreme unrest or instability. There may have been underlying tensions that led to this, and it raises questions about the administration’s confidence in its ability to manage the political landscape and ensure public order.
Time news Editor: Just hours after the declaration, we saw citizens actively resisting martial law forces outside the National Assembly. What does this indicate about public sentiment?
Dr. Kim: The citizens’ resistance suggests they felt compelled to defend democratic processes. Public sentiment is crucial during such crises, and the reaction indicates a notable level of dissatisfaction with President Yoon’s leadership. It shows that many citizens are willing to stand up for democratic principles, even in the face of military force.
Time News Editor: Later that night, the National Assembly quickly convened and passed a resolution to lift the martial law. How did this swift response impact the political proceedings?
Dr. Kim: The rapid response from the National Assembly demonstrates the checks and balances inherent in south Korea’s political system. It reflects a unified effort from the opposition parties to counterbalance the executive’s overreach. This also sends a message to the public and the international community that the legislative branch is willing to uphold democracy, even amidst turmoil.
Time News Editor: Speaking of the international community,we learned that the National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik communicated with the U.S.Ambassador shortly after the events. What role do you think international reactions play in situations like this?
Dr. Kim: International reactions are vital, especially for a nation like South Korea that relies on its relationship with global democracies. This communication signifies that South Korea is seeking support and validation from its allies. It also acts as a deterrent against potential authoritarian measures by signaling that the world is watching and can influence diplomatic relations based on how the situation unfolds.
Time News Editor: The aftermath has seen opposition parties proposing impeachment bills against President Yoon. Can you discuss the implications of this move?
Dr. kim: Impeachment bills are serious actions that indicate deep political divisions and can lead to constitutional crises. If pursued, this could escalate political tensions further and could create instability. Though, it also showcases the political mechanisms available to checks an elected leader. It could lead to significant reform discussions and a reevaluation of governance practices in South Korea.
Time News Editor: As a political analyst, how do you foresee the situation evolving in light of these developments?
Dr. Kim: This is a pivotal moment for South Korean democracy. The government needs to reassess its strategies and engage more deeply with the populace. The public’s reaction favors democratic engagement over authoritarian measures. If the government fails to respond effectively to these pressures,we could see increasing civil unrest or even a significant shift in political power dynamics.
Time news Editor: Thank you,Dr. Kim, for your insights. It seems that South Korea is at a critical juncture, and how the government and citizens navigate these challenging waters will have lasting implications.
Dr. Kim: thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time, and the focus should remain on fostering democratic discourse and addressing the concerns of the citizens.
Time News Editor: We appreciate your time today, Dr. Kim. Let’s continue to keep a close watch on the developments in South Korea in the coming days. thank you to our viewers for tuning in.