South Korea’s Cabinet on Wednesday backed a motion from lawmakers to lift martial law, reversing President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision, which had been imposed late Tuesday for the first time in 45 years.
The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, passed the resolution after Yoon backtracked on his declaration. The martial law was effectively lifted following a vote in the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution.
In a second national address within hours of declaring martial law, Yoon announced the decree would be rescinded, stating, “Martial law will be lifted immediately by accepting the National Assembly’s request through a State Council meeting.”
The National Assembly convened an emergency session Wednesday, where 190 of 300 lawmakers voted to revoke the order. Under the Constitution, the president must comply when a majority of parliament demands the lifting of martial law.
Yoon complied, and all martial law troops were withdrawn from parliament. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed the martial law decree was now invalid.
Yoon had declared martial law Tuesday night, citing a need to combat what he called “anti-state forces” threatening the country’s constitutional order. He criticized lawmakers for paralyzing state functions through impeachments, legislative manipulation, and budget control. The declaration suspended political activities, including those of parliament, political parties, rallies, and demonstrations.
Opposition lawmakers, including Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, called the declaration unconstitutional, while Han Dong-hoon of the ruling People Power Party expressed regret, deeming it illegal. Both parties urged the military and police to return to normal operations, emphasizing the decree’s lack of legal basis.
Yoon framed the decision as necessary to ensure national stability and protect freedoms. Under the command of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, the military issued decrees banning political activities, curbing media freedom, and imposing strict measures against public unrest.
Following the parliamentary vote, Yoon pledged to minimize any disruption caused by martial law and called for a return to normalcy. (Anadolu, Xinhua)