South Korean president says he will end martial law

04.12.2024 12:19

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
Photo: Kim Hong-Ji/Getty Images

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has announced he will lift the “emergency martial law” mere hours after introducing it, following the parliament’s unanimous vote against the measure.

Yoon made the surprise announcement on Tuesday, citing the threat of “pro-North Korean forces” and accusing the parliamentary majority of anti-state activity.

Within hours, 190 lawmakers who were able to access the National Assembly building voted unanimously to lift the decree. The military responded that martial law would remain in place “until the president says otherwise.”

Shortly after 4am local time, Yoon announced he would end the state emergency.

Leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, had slammed Yoon’s declaration as “unconsitutional” and called on military and police to resume their normal duties.

Lee’s party voted against Yoon’s 2025 budget last week, and has called for investigations into several scandals surrounding the president’s wife and senior officials.