South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared Martial Law late Tuesday night, Dec. 3 in Seoul (Monday night, Dec. 2 in Washington, D.C.) claiming that the (opposition-controlled) National Assembly was cooperating with North Korea and sabotaging the government. (The opposition Democratic Party took over the majority in the Assembly in the last election.) The Yoon government and his People Power Party have been unable to pass any legislation, and Yoon has vetoed everything the opposition has passed in the Assembly. The opposition has refused to pass the government’s budget, and is trying to impeach some officials.
Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed that these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.” He described martial law as a necessary measure to eradicate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces.”
The National Assembly has been closed by police, but, as of 2:00 a.m. KST on Dec. 4 (17:00 UTC Dec. 3; 12:00 U.S. Eastern Time, Dec. 3), it appears that its members found a way to hold a vote demanding the lifting of the Martial Law order. According to the government news service Yonhap, “Under the Constitution, martial law must be lifted when a parliamentary majority demands it.” Large crowds have gathered outside the National Assembly.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, issued a statement: “Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country. The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.” He added: “President Yoon Seok Yeol has betrayed the people. President Yoon’s illegal declaration of emergency martial law is null and void. From this moment on, Mr. Yoon is no longer the president of South Korea.”
Yonhap reported on a decree issued by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, a four-star general who has been named to lead the command. The decree went into effect as of (11:00 p.m.) 23:00 KST, Dec. 3:
