President Yoon defends martial law amid political backlash and insurrection probe

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his martial law declaration, stating it was a “highly calibrated political judgment” intended to protect national governance.

Speaking on Thursday (12 Dec), Yoon denied insurrection charges, pledging to face impeachment or investigation directly.

The controversial declaration, imposed late Tuesday night on 3 December, was lifted within 12 hours following a unanimous National Assembly vote to nullify the measure.

All 190 lawmakers present rejected the order, calling it unconstitutional and a betrayal of democratic principles.

In a televised statement after lifting martial law, Yoon said, “After the National Assembly’s demand to lift martial law, martial law troops have been withdrawn. I will accept the National Assembly’s demand and lift martial law through a cabinet meeting.”

The announcement came amidst mounting protests and political backlash, marking a rare moment of unity across political lines.

Military involvement under scrutiny

The martial law declaration triggered widespread criticism after troops were deployed to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from convening to vote on lifting the measure.

A minimum of 150 lawmakers is required to nullify martial law under South Korea’s Constitution.

Colonel Kim Hyeon-tae, the head of the 707th Special Mission Group, revealed that he had received orders to block 150 lawmakers from entering parliament.

These instructions came from the special warfare commander Kwak Jong-geun, who had been directed by former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

Kim Hyeon-tae admitted responsibility for the actions of his troops, calling them victims of poor leadership.

At an emotional press conference on Monday, he apologised for his role, stating, “I deeply apologise to the people of Korea. All responsibility lies with me.”

Kim Hyeon-tae’s unit had been ordered to set up a perimeter, breach the building, and block entrances to prevent lawmakers from convening.

The colonel said he was unaware of the legal ramifications of martial law and referred to his actions as a failure of leadership.

Former Defence Minister faces insurrection charges

Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun is under formal arrest for allegedly aiding President Yoon in planning the martial law declaration.

Prosecutors allege that Kim Yong-hyun proposed the declaration and coordinated troop deployments to the National Assembly and National Election Commission headquarters.

Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide on 11 December while in detention, hours before his arrest warrant was issued.

He was found attempting to hang himself with a makeshift rope in his cell at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Centre.

South Korean law imposes severe penalties for insurrection, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Opposition condemns martial law as unconstitutional

The National Assembly, led by the Democratic Party with 171 of the 300 seats, unanimously rejected martial law, describing it as unconstitutional.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from both opposition lawmakers and some members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP).

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon expressed concern over Yoon’s decision, urging his party to consider impeachment to prevent further political instability.

The party had earlier boycotted the impeachment bill last Saturday, resulting in no quorum, with just 194 votes cast—six short of the 200 votes required.

Yoon, however, has refused to resign, stating, “Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will fairly confront it.”