South Korea lifts martial law. What happens next

Seoul:

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday he would lift martial law just hours after it was imposed. In a brief and confusing episode, he described the opposition as “anti-state forces” that threaten the country’s democracy.

Yoon’s unexpected move – the first time martial law has been imposed in South Korea in more than four decades – alarmed the United States and the country’s other allies.

What do we know about the imposition, its lifting and what might happen next?

– What was the explanation? –

In a dramatic late-night emergency televised address to the nation, Yoon announced he would impose martial law as he accused the opposition of trying to paralyze the government with “anti-state activities.”

A six-point decree from the new martial law commander, army chief Gen. Park An-su, immediately followed, banning political activities and parties, “false propaganda,” strikes and “gatherings that foment social unrest.”

The order also placed all media under martial law authority and ordered all medical personnel, including striking doctors, to return to work within 48 hours.

– What happened in Parliament? –

Security forces cordoned off the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and troops briefly entered the building, apparently to prevent MPs from entering.

But 190 MPs managed to get in and voted unanimously to reject Yoon’s statement and call for the lifting of martial law.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside, many chanting for Yoon’s arrest.

– What happened next? –

After lawmakers voted, Yoon backed down. His cabinet also approved the request to revoke the order, Yonhap News Agency reported.

“Just now there was a demand from the National Assembly to lift the state of emergency, and we have withdrawn the military that was deployed for martial law operations,” Yoon said in a televised address around 4:30 a.m. (1930 GMT). Tuesday).

According to South Korea’s constitution, the parliamentary vote to lift martial law must be respected.

– Why did Yoon do that? –

Yoon said he was acting to protect his country’s liberal democracy from “subversive elements” and “threats from North Korea” – but gave few details.

Although unexpected, the announcement came amid a simmering budget dispute between Yoon and the opposition Democratic Party.

The opposition cut around 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from Yoon’s proposed 677 trillion won budget for next year, prompting the president to complain that “all major budgets that “essential for the country’s core functions” would be cut.

“What is clear is that Yoon has been a deeply unpopular and ineffective leader, and he has difficulty getting public support for anything he tries to do,” said Alan Yu, a former U.S. diplomat in Asia who now works at the center for American progress.

“The use of martial law almost feels like a desperate escape attempt in both the political and political sense, but it is being implemented really poorly on both fronts.”

– What’s next for Yoon? –

Domestically, the pressure on Yoon has only increased following his overnight bombing.

South Korea’s main opposition party called for Yoon’s resignation and accused him of “insurrection.”

The country’s largest trade union group also called for an “indefinite general strike” until he resigns over the “irrational and anti-democratic measure”.

Yoon’s own People Power Party called his attempt to impose martial law “tragic” and called for those involved to be held accountable.

– What was the reaction abroad? –

South Korea is a key Western ally in Asia and is seen as a key democratic bulwark in a region dominated by authoritarian regimes, and the drama is being watched with concern.

Washington said it was “relieved that President Yoon has changed course” on his martial law order.

Both Britain and Germany had previously said they would monitor developments closely.

China, a key ally of nuclear-armed North Korea, urged its citizens to exercise caution, while Russia – which has become increasingly close to Pyongyang – called the situation “alarming”.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)