President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed effort to declare martial law ignited massive opposition and increased calls for his resignation, plunging South Korea into political turmoil in the hours that followed.
Six opposition parties have introduced a bill to remove Yoon from office. However, the president, the defense minister, and the interior minister are all targets of treason charges that the main opposition Democratic Party has begun to formalize. Yoon has also witnessed the resignation of other high-ranking officials, including his chief of staff.
The country’s largest union group has announced that its members will strike until the president resigns, and protesters in the capital, Seoul, are echoing these calls.
Yoon accused the Democratic Party of having ties to North Korea and engaging in “anti-state” actions. In an unprecedented late-night speech, he declared martial law. A group of legislators voted to overturn the decree in the middle of the night after overcoming soldiers to gain access to parliament.
Chronological overview of the political unrest in South Korea
Yoon’s declaration of martial law:
In an unexpected late-night television address on Tuesday, the president announced the decree, accusing the opposition of engaging in “anti-state” activities and sympathizing with North Korea. He directs his attention to their endeavors to remove prosecutors from office.
Yoon prohibits political activism and protests:
The decree, which grants the military temporary ruling power, prohibits political activities, such as rallies, protests, and actions by political parties.
People continue to demonstrate:
A crowd of civilian protesters gathers outside parliament to demand Yoon’s resignation, while enraged lawmakers push past soldiers to enter the building.
Parliament takes a vote:
190 lawmakers unanimously reject the martial law decree in the early hours of Wednesday, a decision the president must legally follow.
Military withdraws:
Television footage captures the troops’ departure from the parliament building and the placement of their equipment following the vote.
Yoon reverses:
In accordance with the vote, at 4:30 a.m. the president declares that he will lift martial law. His Cabinet authorizes the termination of the decree shortly thereafter.
Calls for removal from office:
The opposition demands Yoon’s immediate resignation and has threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings if he fails to do so. While his party chief apologized to the public and asked the president for an explanation, Yoon faces internal criticism.
