In a dramatic turn of events in South Korea, lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party (DP) defied a lockdown imposed on the parliamentary headquarters to present a motion aimed at invalidating President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law. This significant political standoff unfolded in the early hours of the morning, around 1:00 a.m. local time, as armed soldiers forcefully breached the building’s windows in an attempt to clear the assembly floor. Yoon’s martial law declaration marked an unprecedented move, the first of its kind since the 1980s, citing threats from “subversive anti-state elements” within the legislature who, according to him, were obstructing his administration’s objectives. In a stern rebuke, Yoon labeled the opposition as “unscrupulous” and “pro-Pyongyang,” reflecting the escalating tensions in South Korean politics.
In a surprising twist, even members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP) voiced opposition to his martial law decree. Meanwhile, DP leader Lee Jae-myung urged the military to disregard Yoon’s orders, proclaiming, “From this moment on, Mr. Yoon is no longer the president of South Korea.” This passionate declaration heightened the stakes in a political atmosphere already rife with conflict. Yoon’s declaration aimed to suspend all political activities in South Korea until further notice, demonstrating his drastic response to the increasingly contentious relationship with the opposition party. However, the DP lawmakers swiftly mobilized, entering the parliamentary premises to galvanize their colleagues, even as military and police forces surrounded the building in an effort to maintain order.
The tension reached its climax shortly before 1:00 a.m. when DP lawmakers conducted a vote to revoke martial law at a time when soldiers were actively breaking into the building. In a remarkable display of unity, the 190 lawmakers present voted unanimously to overturn Yoon’s martial law decree just minutes after the military action began. By 1:01 a.m., the speaker’s office officially declared Yoon’s martial law order “null and void.” This decisive action underscored the legislature’s constitutional authority in repealing martial law, a power that played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.
Speaker Woo Won-shik, recognizing the legislative victory, called for the soldiers and police to vacate the premises. Reports indicated that military helicopters, which had been circling the National Assembly building, departed shortly after the vote, seemingly ceasing their operations after a tense half-hour period. The atmosphere in the assembly shifted dramatically from one of imminent military intervention to reaffirmation of legislative sovereignty, reflecting the resilience of the opposition in the face of authoritarian measures. This clash showcased the depth of divisions within South Korean politics as well as the strong commitment of the DP to challenge Yoon’s administration.
Prominent legislator Cho Kuk articulated the potential consequences following the National Assembly’s decision, stating that should President Yoon ignore the results of the vote, it would constitute “clear treason and an illegal act.” Cho’s declaration further intensified the already critical discourse regarding Yoon’s position as president. On the heels of the legislative action, he called for accountability measures to be taken against Yoon and his defense minister, underscoring the legal and political ramifications that the martial law declaration could have on the current administration. The opportunity for impeachment loomed large as the opposition mobilized support, reinforcing the notion that Yoon’s tactics might backfire.
The situation was further complicated by Yoon’s own party acknowledging the legislature’s authority in matters of martial law. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the PPP, conceded that martial law had essentially “lost effect” following the National Assembly’s decisive vote, signaling a fracture within Yoon’s own party regarding his management of the escalating political crisis. This context illustrates a power struggle not only between the opposition and the ruling party but also within the PPP itself, raising questions about party loyalty and unity in crisis.
In summary, the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk-yeol has ignited a significant political crisis in South Korea, drawing stark lines between the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party. The dramatic overnight events culminated in decisive action by the DP to revoke the martial law, asserting the legislature’s constitutional authority against what many perceive as authoritarian overreach. With calls for impeachment and discussions of treason emerging, the political fallout continues to unfold, underscoring a turbulent period in South Korean politics as legislators navigate the complexities of governance and civil liberties in an increasingly polarized environment.
