South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3, sending troops and military forces to counter what he described as “anti-state forces” in the interest of national security.
Following the declaration made around 10 p.m. local time, the parliament was quickly surrounded by waves of military troops, who began smashing windows to force their way inside.
The parliament building had been barricaded by opposition leaders in an attempt to block entry.
Around the same time, protesters gathered outside government buildings, demanding the repeal of the law. Legislators also strongly opposed the measure, voting unanimously in favor of a motion to lift martial law right after the outbreak.
Shortly after the vote, around six hours after the declaration, President Yoon announced the revocation of the law and disbanded the martial law command.
The law had restricted political activities and authorized soldiers to arrest elected officials deemed a threat to national security.
Even though Yoon and his cabinet soon scrapped martial law and deeply apologized for the action, people were deeply disappointed and shocked by the decree, as well as his prolonged performance in office, with many calling for his impeachment.
“Even with the lifting of martial law, President Yoon cannot escape charges of treason. It has become evident to the nation that he is no longer capable of governing the country effectively. He should step down,” Park Chan-Dae, a senior DP member of parliament, said in a statement.
However, under intense pressure across society for Yoon to resign, he managed to survive the impeachment as the vote was followed by a boycott from the People Power Party.
“The PPP will push for the president’s orderly retreat to minimize chaos,” Han Dong-hoon, leader of the PPP said.
Dong-hoon along with several other party lawmakers openly criticized Yoon’s martial law decree on Dec. 3 after the impaction motion was unfoiled.
At the same time the procedures were unfolding, thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, waiting for hours to hear the impeachment results.
Some were left in tears, their emotions raw upon learning that the vote could not proceed due to a lack of the minimum number of members required to make the decision valid.
While Yoon remains in office, it is still uncertain whether he will complete his term until 2027.
The government’s inaction in removing him has also sparked widespread outrage among citizens.
“They don’t do anything to correct the president’s mistakes. I’m so angry. We have to protest,” a young woman said while wiping away tears during the protest, according to Sky News.
