South Korea’s Yoon faces backlash after six-hour declaration of martial law

SEOUL (Kyodo) — South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency was under siege Wednesday after his abrupt declaration of martial law six hours into the night sowed widespread confusion and drew condemnation from lawmakers and the public, who called the decision undemocratic and led to calls for his immediate resignation.

Yoon, who declared martial law to curb the “anti-state” activities of the country’s majority opposition party, said the military mobilized to parliament had been withdrawn after the decree was overturned.

The cabinet authorized the revocation of the president’s declaration of martial law during a meeting, according to Yonhap news agency.

It was the first time martial law had been declared in South Korea since the establishment of a democratic government in 1987, a move that left the United States and Japan, Seoul’s main allies, perplexed and concerned. .

Announcing the statement in a televised speech, Yoon said the opposition National Party had paralyzed the government through its activities.

The president also said at the time that his decision was aimed at “rooting out blatant pro-North anti-state elements” and helping to “rebuild and safeguard” the nation’s happiness.

Following the statement, lawmakers quickly gathered at the National Assembly and held an emergency plenary session around 1 a.m. Wednesday. The 190 members of the 300-seat parliament present approved a resolution demanding that Yoon lift martial law.

According to the Constitution, martial law must be repealed if the majority of lawmakers reject it.

“The declaration of martial law is now null and void,” National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik said in a statement after the vote.

Leaders of the country’s political parties, including the ruling People Power Party, called the move “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” while the largest opposition party demanded that the president resign immediately, warning that he could be indicted if he refuses.

“Today, the president declared martial law – a declaration that is both illegal and unconstitutional, failing to meet the necessary requirements,” Han Dong Hoon, head of the ruling party, said in a video released after the Yoon’s announcement.

“The Republic of Korea is a liberal and democratic nation, and we stand with the people in defending liberal democracy and will resolutely oppose this declaration of martial law,” Han said, using South Korea’s official name .

The leader of the largest opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae Myung, said after the adoption of the resolution to withdraw martial law that it would be illegal for the police and military to comply more with Yoon’s illegal presidential order.

Soldiers forced their way into the National Assembly at one point, clashing with lawmakers who attempted to enter, but were removed immediately after the resolution was passed.

“From now on, I urge all military and police officers to quickly return to their rightful duties and fulfill their roles,” Lee said.

“Your allegiance should not be to the president who declared this martial law illegal and unconstitutional, but to the sovereign will of the people,” he said.

He also promised to turn the crisis into an opportunity, saying: “This illegal and unconstitutional declaration of martial law will not lead us into further decline, but will serve as a decisive turning point to break the cycle and return our society to normal.” »

In Washington, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said in response to Yoon’s initial statement that the U.S. government was monitoring developments in South Korea with “grave concern.”

A Pentagon spokesperson said the United States was not informed in advance by South Korea of ​​the decision.

Japanese government officials said Yoon’s sudden statement was “a real surprise” and that they would monitor developments.