SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has rescinded a martial law order just hours after issuing it, following widespread political turmoil and strong opposition across all political parties. The surprising decree had thrown Seoul into a state of uncertainty and provoked a swift backlash from lawmakers.
The decision to reverse the order came early Wednesday, after Yoon announced that the military personnel deployed to enforce the measure would be pulled back. This move followed attempts by lawmakers to prevent the martial law from taking effect, including a rushed parliamentary vote aimed at blocking the decree.
In response to the president’s actions, members of the opposition Democratic Party have called for Yoon’s immediate resignation and threatened impeachment proceedings if he does not step down. The party condemned his decision as an assault on democracy and the Constitution, demanding that he leave office voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s ruling People’s Power Party, issued an apology to the public on Wednesday morning, criticizing the decision. He called for the dismissal of the country’s defense minister, who had recommended the martial law. Han emphasized that President Yoon must provide a clear and comprehensive explanation for the controversial decree, and that accountability should be enforced for those involved.
The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in South Korea since 1980, when it was enacted during a major student and labor-led uprising.