South Korean parliament overturns President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration

In an unprecedented political clash, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late on 3 December 2024, citing a need to eradicate “anti-state forces.”

The declaration was met with swift resistance from the opposition-controlled parliament, which invalidated the order hours later in a unanimous vote.

The declaration, announced during a televised address, marked the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1987.

Yoon claimed the measure was necessary to “protect the constitutional democratic order” from “pro-North Korean forces.” He urged citizens to tolerate “some inconveniences” while promising to normalise the nation.

Soon after Yoon’s announcement, military personnel began deploying around the National Assembly, with police blocking its entrance.

Reports from Yonhap news agency indicated that the military planned to suspend political gatherings, enforce a return to work for striking doctors, and detain violators without warrants. Helicopters were seen landing on the Assembly grounds as lawmakers gathered inside.

The National Assembly Speaker, Woo Won Shik, convened an emergency late-night session, urging lawmakers to vote on repealing martial law.

The resolution passed unanimously at 1 a.m. on 4 December, with 190 members present.

Woo declared the martial law order “null and void” and demanded the immediate withdrawal of military forces from the Assembly premises. Television footage later showed soldiers leaving the site.

The move united lawmakers across political lines. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pledged to remain at the Assembly until Yoon formally rescinded the order. “We will protect our country’s democracy, public safety, and the lives of our citizens with our own lives,” Lee said in a televised address.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon issued a public apology following the vote, calling the declaration a regrettable episode.

“As the head of the ruling party, I deeply regret that this incident occurred. The people and parliament have made their stance clear,” Han said, pledging to ensure such an incident would not happen again.

Protests erupted outside the Assembly, with hundreds of demonstrators waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment.

The president’s decision was widely criticised as a return to the authoritarian tactics of the 1980s. It was also denounced by leaders within his conservative party, who pledged to oppose the measure alongside the public.

Yoon’s approval ratings have plummeted in recent months amid ongoing political impasses. His administration has faced opposition on issues including next year’s budget and attempts to impeach prosecutors investigating DPK leader Lee, a leading contender for the 2027 presidential election.

The declaration’s timing raised suspicions among political analysts, as Yoon’s administration struggles with controversies involving his wife and senior officials. His critics accused him of using martial law to suppress dissent and distract from his administration’s challenges.

Under South Korea’s Constitution, martial law can be repealed with a parliamentary majority vote. Article 77, Clause 5 mandates that the president must revoke such orders upon the Assembly’s demand. Following the late-night session, Woo reassured citizens that democracy would prevail. “The National Assembly stands with the people to protect democracy,” he said.

The martial law declaration had also included directives for striking doctors to resume work within 48 hours. Thousands of medical professionals have been striking for months over government plans to increase medical school admissions. Military statements warning of arrests without warrants sparked further public outrage.

The dramatic reversal has left Yoon’s leadership in a precarious position. His government’s authoritarian response and the subsequent parliamentary repudiation highlight the widening divide between the presidency and the legislature.