On December 3, at 11 pm local time, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered an emergency video address from the Blue House in Seoul, announcing the imposition of martial law. Subsequently, the military disclosed the details and regulations regarding martial law. This is the first time South Korea has declared martial law since October 1979 and the first time since the democratization process in 1987.
Following the declaration of martial law, representatives from the ruling party National Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, Lee Jae-myung from the largest opposition party, the Together Democratic Party, National Assembly Speaker Yu Won-sik (Together Democratic Party), and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (National Power Party) all expressed opposition, leading to an emergency session of the National Assembly.
During the full National Assembly session convened by President Yoon Suk-yeol after declaring martial law, a resolution to lift martial law was proposed and unanimously passed with the support of all 190 present members.
According to Article 77, Section 5 of the South Korean Constitution, if more than half of the members present in the National Assembly (totaling 300) agree to lift martial law, the president must abide by the decision.
The National Assembly Speaker’s Office stated, “With the passing of the resolution to lift martial law, the martial law order is rendered invalid.” Two hours later, the National Assembly voted to revoke the emergency martial law, and the military withdrew from the premises.
In his address announcing martial law, President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized that the imposition of martial law was inevitable to ensure the permanent development of a free Republic of Korea. Through implementing emergency martial law, the aim is to rebuild and defend the Republic of Korea’s freedom to prevent the nation from falling into ruin.
He stressed the need to implement martial law to swiftly eliminate the instigators and anti-state forces pushing the country towards the brink of destruction, safeguarding the country’s operations and ensuring the safety and sustainable development for future generations.
Although President Yoon acknowledged the inconvenience martial law may bring to citizens, he pledged to minimize these inconveniences and called upon the people to believe in themselves and dedicate themselves to defending the free Republic of Korea.
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, the martial law was suggested to President Yoon Suk-yeol by Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyeon. On the same day, Minister Kim chaired a meeting with top military commanders and instructed the armed forces to heighten their alert levels.
Subsequently, Martial Law Command Commander and Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn-seok issued “Martial Law Command Order (No. 1),” which included bans on all political activities in the National Assembly and local councils, as well as political associations, assemblies, demonstrations, and related activities.
After President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, the South Korean National Assembly building was sealed off, permitting only identified members of parliament, aides, parliamentary staff, and authorized journalists to enter and exit.
Following the announcement of martial law in South Korea, the ruling National Power Party representative Han Dong-hoon called for an emergency committee meeting, asserting, “This is an unjust, illegal, and unconstitutional martial law order… We must defend liberal democracy and work together with the people to revoke this erroneous martial law order to protect our democratic system.”
The Together Democratic Party, as the largest opposition party, promptly convened all members to discuss the appropriate response. Party representative Lee Jae-myung stated, “President Yoon’s illegal martial law declaration is null and void,” and urged lawmakers and the public to gather at the National Assembly to defend democracy.
During a live YouTube broadcast en route to the National Assembly, Lee Jae-myung stated, “President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law without any legitimate reasons, which means armored vehicles, tanks, and armed soldiers will take control of the country.” He urged the citizens to swiftly gather at the National Assembly to safeguard it as the last bastion of democracy and highlighted the urgent nature of the current situation, with the fate of the nation hanging in the balance.
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Yu Won-Sik, at an emergency press conference that same evening, declared, “In response to the president’s declaration of martial law, the National Assembly will take the necessary actions according to constitutional protocols. I urge all citizens to trust the National Assembly and calmly observe the situation’s development.”
Additionally, he called on all members of the National Assembly to assemble immediately at the main hall of the National Assembly and particularly appealed to the military and police forces to remain steadfast and hold their positions.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon canceled his scheduled overseas visits to India and Malaysia on the 4th and convened an emergency meeting with government officials, including the First Vice Mayor, Second Vice Mayor, and Municipal Affairs Vice Mayor.
“I oppose martial law, and it should be revoked,” Oh Se-hoon stated in a Facebook post, “As mayor, I will do everything in my power to protect the daily lives of the city’s residents.”