In a dramatic and historic moment, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, citing alleged threats to the country’s democracy from opposition forces. Within six hours, however, Yoon reversed his decision following widespread political and public opposition, marking a swift and unprecedented chapter in the nation’s modern history.
What Is Martial Law and Why Was It Declared?
Martial law involves military control over civilian governance, typically during crises. In a late-night emergency broadcast, President Yoon announced the measure, accusing opposition parties of “anti-state activities” that he claimed were paralysing government functions. While also citing threats from North Korea, Yoon did not provide specific evidence to substantiate his claims.
The martial law decree, enforced by Army Chief General Park An-su, included strict measures such as banning political parties, prohibiting strikes, and restricting public gatherings. Media outlets were placed under military oversight, and striking medical professionals were ordered to resume work within 48 hours. Critics likened the declaration to the authoritarian practices last seen during South Korea’s 1980s military dictatorship.
The Context Behind the Declaration
The declaration came amid a fierce budget standoff between Yoon’s administration and the opposition Democratic Party, which slashed 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from the president’s proposed 677 trillion won budget for 2025. Yoon accused the opposition of undermining national stability, but many questioned whether the situation warranted such an extreme response.
Security forces sealed the National Assembly, deploying troops to block lawmakers from convening. Despite this, 190 legislators gathered and unanimously voted to reject the martial law decree, demanding its immediate repeal.
Outside the parliament, protests erupted, with hundreds of citizens demanding Yoon’s resignation. Demonstrators clashed with military personnel, though no serious injuries were reported. In a symbolic act of defiance, a woman attempted to disarm a soldier, shouting, “Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Why Did Yoon Revoke Martial Law?
South Korea’s constitution requires parliamentary approval for martial law to remain in effect, and the unified backlash from lawmakers and the public made its continuation untenable.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, Yoon’s rival in the 2022 presidential election, called the declaration “illegal and unconstitutional.” Even members of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party criticised the move, with some labelling it a “tragic misstep.”
By early Wednesday, Yoon announced the revocation of martial law, instructing troops to return to their barracks. A cabinet meeting formally ended the decree.
International Reactions
The global community expressed mixed reactions to the developments. The White House praised Yoon’s reversal, affirming democracy as a cornerstone of the US-South Korea alliance. Earlier, Washington had expressed “grave concern” over the situation, especially given the presence of 28,500 US troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korea.
Yoon’s decision and its rapid reversal have sparked debate over the stability of his leadership, leaving South Koreans to grapple with the implications of this extraordinary episode.
