Seoul [South Korea], December 4: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the removal of emergency martial law early Wednesday, just hours after declaring it, following a decisive vote by the National Assembly calling for its termination, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The cabinet approved the motion to end martial law enforcement approximately six hours after its initial imposition on Tuesday. The emergency measure had been declared by Yoon in response to what he termed “anti-state” activities by the opposition, which he claimed were crippling the government. However, the move sparked widespread domestic and international concern.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that troops deployed under martial law orders had returned to their bases, signaling a return to normalcy across the country.
Explaining the decision to impose and then lift martial law, Yoon stated, “At 11 p.m. last night, I declared emergency martial law with my resolute intent to save the nation in the face of anti-state forces that attempt to paralyse the nation’s essential function and the constitutional order of free democracy. But there was a demand from the National Assembly for the lifting of martial law; (I) have withdrawn troops mobilised to execute martial law affairs.”
Despite the repeal, opposition criticism of Yoon intensified, with some lawmakers threatening to pursue impeachment proceedings. Hwang Un-ha, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, condemned the military deployment and expressed intent to push for an impeachment motion.
The declaration of martial law shocked the nation and drew strong reactions internationally. The United States, a key ally of South Korea, expressed “grave concern” over the developments. However, following Yoon’s reversal, the White House expressed relief and emphasized the importance of democracy in the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
“We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly’s vote to end it,” a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement. “Democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement added.
Yoon’s quick reversal highlights the significant political tensions within South Korea and the vital role of democratic institutions in navigating such crises.