South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol revoked his martial law order early Wednesday after widespread protests and political backlash. The surprise decree, issued late Tuesday, had triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who called it unconstitutional. Parliament quickly passed a motion demanding its withdrawal, escalating tensions in the capital.
Images from the National Assembly showed staffers using fire extinguishers to block armed troops attempting to breach the building. By 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Yoon’s Cabinet approved a motion to end the martial law, according to Yonhap news agency.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, addressing the public as troops mobilized, warned that “tanks, soldiers, and chaos” would devastate South Korea’s economy. He urged citizens to gather at the National Assembly, where demonstrators clashed with security forces.
U.S. and Public React Swiftly
The United States expressed serious concern over the developments. A White House spokesperson emphasized democracy as the foundation of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Both the U.S. National Security Council and the Defense Department confirmed close monitoring but clarified they were not informed before the declaration.
Seoul, a critical ally and trade partner of the U.S., hosts about 28,000 American troops as a defense against North Korea. Experts suggest this martial law episode is unlikely to disrupt the U.S.-South Korea military relationship.
Yoon justified his decree as a measure to protect the nation from “anti-state forces” and North Korean threats. Critics, however, saw it as a move to consolidate power after his party’s budget defeat and significant electoral losses in April.
Calls for Resignation and Historical Parallels
The martial law announcement provoked calls for Yoon’s resignation. Opposition lawmakers prepared an impeachment motion, while South Korea’s largest union coalition vowed strikes until he stepped down. Yoon’s chief of staff and several senior aides offered their resignations amid mounting pressure.
South Korea has a painful history with martial law, last declared over 40 years ago by dictator Chun Doo-Hwan. Analysts argue this history could intensify public backlash and tarnish Yoon’s democratic credentials.
Despite the political turmoil, South Korea remains a robust democracy and economic powerhouse, with industries spanning electronics, steel, and automobile manufacturing. Analysts believe Yoon’s move reflects deep political tensions rather than a shift in South Korea’s democratic trajectory.