South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

Opposition members want Yoon Suk-yeol impeached for a shock move that led troops to surround parliament in a night of political drama

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South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

Associated Press,Biman MukherjiandPark Chan-kyong

Published: 9:46pm, 3 Dec 2024Updated: 1:14pm, 4 Dec 2024

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s government early on Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule.

Yoon said his government withdrew military personnel following a bipartisan parliamentary vote that rejected martial law, and the measure was formally lifted around 4.30am during a cabinet meeting.

The president had declared martial law late on Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathising with communist North Korea.

Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people”.

In all, martial law was in effect for about six hours.

The president’s surprising move hearkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party.

People watch South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s televised briefing at a bus terminal in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday. Photo: AP