South Korea Martial Law: Emergency measure prompts parliamentary defiance and public unrest
Seoul, Dec 3: On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing the need to protect the nation from “anti-state” forces and alleged pro-North Korean sympathizers within the opposition-controlled parliament. In a late-night televised address, President Yoon stated, “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people …”
🚨#BREAKING – South Korean special forces are storming the South Korean Parliament building. pic.twitter.com/q6k13n7xDI
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) December 3, 2024
The declaration marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since 1980. It authorized the military to assume control over civilian functions, potentially suspending civil liberties and normal legal processes. Following the announcement, military forces were deployed to enforce the decree, leading to significant unrest. Clashes erupted outside the National Assembly in Seoul, where protesters confronted armed soldiers attempting to shut down parliamentary activities. Demonstrators formed human shields and used fire extinguishers to resist the military’s advance.
Opposition leaders condemned the martial law declaration. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, labeled the move unconstitutional and called for public protests. He urged citizens to gather outside the National Assembly … oppose the military intervention. In response, the National Assembly convened an emergency session and, in the early hours of December 4, voted unanimously to lift the martial law declaration. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik dismissed the martial law as “invalid,” asserting the legislature’s authority over such measures.
The situation led to a temporary decline in South Korean financial markets, with the won and stock indices experiencing drops amid the political uncertainty. International reactions included expressions of concern, with the United States monitoring the situation closely and reiterating its alliance with South Korea.
🇰🇷 #SouthKorea's President Yoon Suk Yeol says he will lift martial law at the next Cabinet meeting – CNN
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) December 3, 2024
It seems he backed down, he went too far.
Yoon’s own party urged him to drop martial law order.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday he would move to lift… pic.twitter.com/E2b2dNmCkU
This incident underscores the delicate balance between national security and democratic governance, highlighting the potential for significant political and social upheaval when military authority intersects with civilian political processes.
South Korea has experienced several periods of martial law, often during times of political upheaval and civil unrest. Martial law involves the temporary substitution of military authority for civilian rule and is usually invoked in emergencies.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the military rule he imposed overnight, after the parliament voted to reject his martial law declaration.
Historical Instances:
April Revolution (1960): In response to mass protests against electoral fraud and authoritarianism under President Syngman Rhee, martial law was declared to suppress the April Revolution. The intense public outcry eventually led to Rhee’s resignation.
October Restoration (1972): President Park Chung-hee declared martial law, dissolved the National Assembly, and suspended the constitution, leading to the Yushin Constitution, which granted him sweeping powers and extended his rule.
The assassination of Park Chung-hee (1979): Following President Park’s assassination, martial law was declared to maintain order during the transition of power. This period, known as the “Seoul Spring,” saw increased demands for democratization.
Gwangju Uprising (1980): In May 1980, General Chun Doo-hwan expanded martial law nationwide, closing universities and banning political activities. This led to the Gwangju Uprising, where citizens protested against military rule. The uprising was violently suppressed by the military, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
These instances reflect South Korea’s tumultuous journey toward democracy, with martial law often serving as a tool for maintaining control during crises, sometimes at the expense of civil liberties.
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