South Korean Parliament Blocks President Yoon Suk Yeol's Attempt to Declare Martial Law
In an unprecedented political crisis, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law was thwarted by a unanimous vote in the National Assembly. Early Wednesday morning, local time, 190 lawmakers convened to block the declaration, marking the first such attempt in 45 years.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik condemned the move, calling it a threat to democracy. “We will protect democracy alongside the people,” Woo stated, urging military personnel stationed around the legislative building to retreat.
Accusations and Justifications for Martial Law
President Yoon, leader of the People Power Party, accused the opposition-led parliament of undermining South Korea’s democratic foundation. “Our parliament has become a den for criminals,” he declared, alleging that lawmakers were paralyzing the nation’s administrative and legal systems by advancing “opposition-driven” legislation.
In his official announcement, Yoon stated, “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces and to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state elements plundering the freedom and happiness of our people.” He vowed to restore order, claiming that South Korea was “falling into the abyss of national ruin.”
Martial Law Attempt Triggers Protests and Economic Turmoil
The declaration, however, was met with immediate backlash. Protests erupted outside the National Assembly, with demonstrators chanting, “Lift martial law.” Despite military personnel gathering around the legislative building, lawmakers managed to pass an emergency injunction blocking the president’s decree.
The political upheaval sent shockwaves through South Korea’s financial markets, causing the national currency to plummet to its lowest level since 2016. In an emergency meeting, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok pledged decisive measures to stabilize the economy, including “unlimited liquidity injections.” The ministry scheduled further crisis discussions for later in the day.
Escalating Tensions Between Government and Opposition
Yoon’s declaration comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, with striking doctors facing an ultimatum to return to work within 48 hours or face arrest without warrants. The president’s People Power Party holds a minority in the National Assembly, while the Democratic Party maintains a majority, complicating efforts to push through his agenda.
The rejection of martial law represents a significant moment in South Korea’s political landscape, with lawmakers and citizens rallying to safeguard democratic institutions against what many viewed as an authoritarian overreach. As the nation navigates the fallout from the crisis, questions about the stability of its democratic system and governance loom large.