South Korea’s National Assembly has overturned President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration, rejecting it in a unanimous vote. Yoon’s controversial order, announced earlier in the day, imposed severe restrictions on political activities and media, citing threats from pro-North Korean factions allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
In a televised address, Yoon declared martial law effective at 11:00 p.m., claiming the measures were necessary to safeguard the nation’s liberal democratic system. The order banned political activities, demonstrations, and media publications deemed manipulative or subversive. Striking medical personnel were also ordered to return to work under threat of penalties.
Opposition lawmakers and civil rights groups immediately condemned the declaration, calling it a “coup d’état.” Within hours, the National Assembly convened an emergency session, where 190 lawmakers voted unanimously to nullify the martial law order.
“This declaration was a blatant attempt to seize unchecked power,” said one opposition leader. “We cannot allow such actions to erode our democracy.”
Yoon defended his decision, arguing that anti-state forces posed a significant threat to South Korea’s stability. Critics, however, questioned the validity of these claims, calling the martial law measures excessive and unwarranted.
The swift parliamentary action underscores the fragile political climate in South Korea and the tensions between Yoon’s administration and the opposition-dominated legislature. The incident has sparked widespread debate about the balance of power in South Korea’s democratic system and the potential misuse of emergency powers.
