Close Menu
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Trending

The non-geek’s guide to the Brussels budget fight

July 14, 2025

Southend Airport: Dad plane spotting with daughter saw jet ‘corkscrew upside down into the floor’

July 14, 2025

Two students from same Hampshire school die on same day in separate incidents

July 14, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Se Connecter
July 14, 2025
Euro News Source
Live Markets Newsletter
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Euro News Source
Home»World
World

South Korea Repeals Martial Law Following Legislative Vote

News RoomBy News RoomDecember 4, 2024
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram

On a tumultuous Tuesday evening, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a controversial decision to declare an emergency martial law for the first time in over four decades. Following this declaration, the military temporarily assumed control from civil authorities with the power to enforce laws, effectively suspending existing statutes. The president justified his choice by citing the need to defend the constitutional order of liberal democracy amidst perceived threats from North Korea and alleged anti-state activities from the opposition party, which controls the National Assembly. His actions sent shockwaves across the nation, eliciting responses ranging from fear to anger among citizens and political adversaries alike.

Yoon’s televised announcement, delivered just before midnight local time, framed the martial law as a necessary step to safeguard national security and restore order. He accused members of the opposition, particularly those from the Democratic Party, of being sympathetic to North Korean ideals and of wreaking havoc on the government’s functionality through repeated attempts at impeachment and legislative obstruction. This marked a dramatic escalation in political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, reflecting a deepening political divide in South Korea. Opposition leaders were quick to respond, calling the martial law declaration unconstitutional and vowing to protect democracy and civil liberties against what they deemed an overreach of executive power.

In a bid to quell the escalating unrest and tension, the emergency martial law was lifted within approximately six hours of its declaration, following a bipartisan vote in parliament. With 190 lawmakers from the opposition coalition voting to annul Yoon’s order, the rapid response highlighted the fragile balance of power within the South Korean political landscape. After the lifting of martial law, police and military personnel withdrew from the parliament grounds, signaling an abrupt end to the president’s unprecedented move. The Parliament Speaker, Woo Won Shik, lauded the resolution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining democratic principles and recognizing the military’s restraint amidst an unsettling situation.

The declaration of martial law had unprecedented implications, including the physical presence of military troops in the National Assembly, where they faced confrontation from lawmakers who expressed their defiance by deploying fire extinguishers to block access. The events unfolded against a backdrop of civil unrest, as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament, fervently demanding Yoon’s impeachment. The atmosphere was charged with sentiments of returning to a repressive authoritarian regime, fueled by unsettling recollections of South Korea’s past under military dictatorships. Protesters articulated their fears that the president’s unilateral actions could undermine democratic institutions, sparking a widespread outcry for accountability.

As the political landscape shifted dramatically in a short span, the incident revealed the complexities and vulnerabilities in South Korea’s democracy. With Yoon commanding a diminishing legislative majority and facing intense political opposition, the martial law declaration served as a stark reminder of the tensions between executive power and legislative oversight in a functioning democracy. Furthermore, it underscored the persistent fears of authoritarianism that linger from South Korea’s tumultuous history, compelling citizens and lawmakers alike to defend the integrity of their democratic processes.

In conclusion, the fleeting imposition and rapid abrogation of emergency martial law under President Yoon Suk Yeol highlight significant frictions within South Korean politics, showcasing both the fragility of democratic governance and the power dynamics between opposing political factions. The episode has engendered a renewed sense of vigilance among citizens, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and accountable governance in maintaining the delicate equilibrium of power while safeguarding civil liberties against potential overreach by the executive branch. The events may serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection on South Korea’s democratic values and the ongoing challenge of navigating a politically polarized environment.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email

Keep Reading

Dozens killed in Gaza, including children, as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas flounder

World July 13, 2025

Grand prizes, big names: 2nd Esports World Cup starts in Riyadh

World July 13, 2025

New Caledonia to become a state in ‘historic’ agreement, but will remain French

World July 13, 2025

Latest news bulletin | July 12th – Evening

World July 12, 2025

Engine fuel cutoff moments before Air India plane crash, preliminary report reveals

World July 12, 2025

US appeals court throws out plea deal for alleged mastermind of 11 September terror attacks

World July 11, 2025

PKK militants in Iraq begin laying down arms as part of peace process with Turkey

World July 11, 2025

Video. Brazilian demonstrators rally against Trump and urge taxing the rich

World July 11, 2025

Rubio discusses ‘new approach’ to Ukraine peace talks with Lavrov despite ‘frustration’

World July 10, 2025

Editors Picks

Southend Airport: Dad plane spotting with daughter saw jet ‘corkscrew upside down into the floor’

July 14, 2025

Two students from same Hampshire school die on same day in separate incidents

July 14, 2025

UK’s way of life ‘under threat’ as extreme weather becomes the norm Ed Miliband says

July 14, 2025

Heartbroken dad speaks out after son, 25, dies in fall from hotel balcony in Malta

July 13, 2025

Latest News

Dad-of-four Kevin Fasting Senior left for work then disappeared without trace

July 13, 2025

Southend Airport plane crash videos show horror aftermath of fireball explosion

July 13, 2025

Princess Charlotte, 10, breaks from royal tradition with sweet make-up nod to Diana

July 13, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Europe and World news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram
2025 © Euro News Source. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?