South Korea crisis: Martial law chaos fuels calls for President Yoon’s resignation
The South Korean Cabinet of minister on early Wednesday lifted the martial law announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korea plunged into a crisis after President Yoon declared martial law in an emergency national address on Tuesday night. Yoon said he made the decision to protect freedom and constitutional order, and that it will not have an impact on South Korea’s foreign policy. He added that it would also help eradicate the influence of North Korean supporters.
“Through the declaration of martial law, I will rebuild and protect a free South Korea,” Yoon said. A proclamation released after the address banned all political activities and strikes and said media would be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.
However, hours after President Yoon declared martial law in a bid to eliminate “anti-state” forces, the country’s parliament voted to lift the declaration. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people”, according to the Associated Press.
South Korea under martial law: All you need to know
Martial law is a temporary state of emergency. It is imposed by a government, usually in response to an imminent threat or security crisis in a country.
Under martial law, the military authority takes control of normal civil functions as well as the security of the state.
Martial law is usually declared when the government faces widespread civil unrest, natural disasters, or threats of invasion.
After the president’s announcement, South Korean MPs were blocked from entering the country’s parliament building.
