President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared emergency martial law today in an unscheduled address to the nation. He accused his political opponents of plotting an “insurgency” and “trying to overthrow the free democracy.” But six hours later, after the country’s legislature unanimously voted to end it, Yoon rescinded the order.
It was the first time that a South Korean president had imposed martial law since a military dictatorship ended in the country in the late 1980s. Army Gen. Park An-su, who was appointed martial law commander, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies, and labor activities. The backlash was swift. Thousands of protesters flooded the streets and gathered at the National Assembly in the middle of the night, chanting “End Martial Law!”
The announcement came as a shock to many around the world. For years, South Korea has been known as a model of cultural soft power and an Asian democratic stalwart. Yoon, who was elected president in 2022, has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls Parliament. He characterized his decision to impose martial law as an act “of national resolve against the anti-state forces that are trying to paralyze the essential functions of the state.”
But dissent quickly emerged within his own political party. Within hours, Yoon, who is deeply unpopular, convened his cabinet, which agreed to end martial law.
For more: Here’s what to know about the bitter fight between Yoon and his political adversaries.