Seoul, South Korea CNN —
South Korea is grappling with a tumultuous six-hour whirlwind during which the country’s embattled president declared martial law, only to be forced to rescind it amid widespread condemnation, plunging the nation’s political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.
This dramatic series of events began on Tuesday night as most South Koreans were preparing to go to bed. Furious lawmakers stormed parliament, overriding soldiers deployed to secure the building, to repeal the martial law declaration. Outside, protesters demanded the junking of President Yoon Suk Yeol and pledged to help a return to South Korea’s painful authoritarian histort.
By dawn, the president agreed to withdraw martial law. However, experts suggest this decision has dug his political grave, as opposition parties are already moving forward with impeachment proposals.
The future of Yoon’s presidency, his party’s governance, and the trajectory of one of the world’s largest economies and a key U.S. ally remains unclear.
What happened? What is martial law?
In an unannounced late-night television address around 10:30 PM local time on Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law. He accused the country’s main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and engaging in “anti-state” activities. He cited their impeachment motion against top prosecutors and rejection of the government’s budget proposal as justifications.
Martial law grants temporary military control during emergencies, a power constitutionally vested in the president. However, the declaration sent shockwaves through the democratic nation, triggering immediate political clashes.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the decree banned all political activities, including protests, rallies, and actions by political parties, in a country renowned for its strong traditions of freedom of expression. It also banned “attempts to undermine or sabotage free republic” and “manipulation of public opinion.”
Ultimately, the martial law order lasted only a few hours. Lawmakers stormed parliament, bypassing soldiers stationed to block entry, and convened an extraordinary emergency session. In a unanimous vote, they overturned the decree, which legally obligated the president to comply.
Public and political reactions
Political factions across the spectrum united to oppose Yoon’s order, with even members of his own party condemning the move. The party leader issued a public apology and demanded explanations from the president.
By 4:30 AM, Yoon announced he would comply with the vote and rescind martial law, stating that the troops deployed earlier had been withdrawn. However, he blamed the opposition for obstructing his government’s efforts and accused lawmakers of “legislative manipulation.”
The president’s cabinet later voted to nullify the decree.
A brewing political crisis
South Korea has been mired in political deadlock for months, with liberal opposition parties gaining a parliamentary majority in April. The elections were widely seen as a referendum on Yoon, whose popularity has waned due to scandals and controversies since taking office in 2022.
Yoon, a conservative, has frequently clashed with the opposition over legislative roadblocks, which have stalled his campaign promises to cut taxes and ease business regulations. His frustrations also stem from impeachment attempts targeting several officials he appointed, including the heads of the broadcasting regulator, state auditor, and top prosecutors.
Prosecutors have been a particular sore point for Yoon, as opposition lawmakers accuse them of failing to indict his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, over stock manipulation allegations—a claim the presidential office has repeatedly denied.
Public backlash and global reactions
The martial law declaration sparked outrage, shock, and confusion across South Korea and beyond. Late Tuesday night, residents of the capital, Seoul, gathered near parliament to protest, while others sought refuge with family members. Protesters waved banners calling for Yoon’s impeachment.
Lawmakers clashed with security forces outside the National Assembly, and television footage showed soldiers attempting to enter the main hall. However, they began withdrawing after parliament voted to block the decree.
The United States expressed “grave concern” over the declaration and welcomed its reversal, emphasizing that democracy is central to the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The two nations share a decades-old mutual defense treaty, and about 30,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea at key military bases, including Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military installation abroad.
Advocates argue that the U.S. military presence in the region is crucial to deterring potential attacks from North Korea and countering China’s growing aggression.
What happens next?
Uncertainty looms over President Yoon’s future. On Wednesday, six opposition parties submitted an impeachment bill against him. The motion is expected to be presented in a plenary session on Thursday, with voting likely on Friday or Saturday.
The main opposition party has warned that if Yoon does not step down, they will initiate impeachment proceedings and charge him with treason. If passed by two-thirds of parliament, the motion will move to the Constitutional Court, where at least six judges must agree for impeachment to proceed. During this process, Yoon would be suspended from exercising presidential powers.
Yoon’s chief of staff and over 10 senior aides have already submitted their resignations, and his party leader has called for the dismissal of the defense minister for recommending martial law.
Is this unusual for South Korea?
Yes, especially given South Korea’s long and painful journey from authoritarian rule to democracy.
Since the 1980s, South Korea has been a vibrant democracy with free speech, fair elections, and peaceful transfers of power. However, its political history includes deep divisions, with presidents from both sides of the spectrum frequently facing legal challenges during and after their tenure.
Martial law is rare in modern South Korea. The last time it was declared was in 1980, during a nationwide uprising led by students and labor unions. It wasn’t until 1988 that South Koreans began electing their president through free and direct elections.
This history is why protesters this week vowed never to return to dictatorship, holding signs and chanting against authoritarian rule. Their memories of past military crackdowns remain vivid.
