President Yoon Suk Yeol Lifts Martial Law

Web Desk — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced on Wednesday that he would lift the martial law declaration he imposed just hours earlier, following a parliamentary vote rejecting the controversial measure. The dramatic reversal comes amid mounting political and public backlash, marking one of the most severe challenges to the nation’s democracy in decades.

Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, citing the need to combat what he called “anti-state forces” among his political opponents. The move sparked widespread condemnation, including from within his party, and drew swift action from lawmakers who voted 190-0 to overturn the decree. Under South Korean law, a presidential martial law order must be rescinded if parliament demands it by majority vote.

The announcement triggered chaotic scenes outside the National Assembly as protesters gathered, chanting slogans such as “Withdraw emergency martial law!” and “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.” Inside parliament, the decision to reject martial law was unanimous, with bipartisan support. Even Yoon’s party leader, Han Dong-hoon, criticized the president’s decision, further isolating him politically.

Earlier, live footage captured soldiers attempting to enter the assembly to enforce martial law, only to be repelled by parliamentary staff using fire extinguishers. Yoon justified the measure by accusing opposition parties of paralyzing parliamentary processes and undermining constitutional order. However, critics dismissed the declaration as an unprecedented attack on democratic norms.

The crisis also had immediate economic repercussions, with the South Korean won plunging against the US dollar. The finance ministry convened an emergency meeting to address market instability. Internationally, the United States expressed concern, with the White House closely monitoring the situation.

Former President Moon Jae-in called for unity in protecting democracy, while protests across the country highlighted public dissent against Yoon’s actions. As troops withdrew and normalcy returned, South Korea faced ongoing questions about its political stability and the resilience of its democratic institutions.