South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol lifts martial law: ‘We respect parliament’s request’

The president announces the withdrawal of troops and the end of the state of emergency after the unanimous request of the National Assembly

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the lifting of martial law and the withdrawal of troops deployed for emergency operations. In a televised speech, Yoon said: ‘The National Assembly has asked to lift the state of emergency and we will accept this request. Martial law will be lifted at a meeting of the Council of Ministers.’

The opposition and the parliamentary vote

Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, imposed as a response to what he called a paralysis of the government caused by ‘anti-state’ activities by the opposition, had provoked strong protests. However, 190 lawmakers managed to enter parliament, where they voted unanimously to block the declaration of martial law, demanding its immediate lifting. According to the South Korean Constitution, martial law must be lifted when a majority of the parliament so requests, a condition that has now been fulfilled.

The withdrawal of military forces and the end of the state of emergency mark the end of a political crisis that had divided the country and raised concerns about democratic stability.

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