South Korea’s opposition demands President’s resignation after abrupt Martial Law declaration

South Korea’s main opposition party called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down immediately or face impeachment on Wednesday, just hours after Yoon ended a controversial martial law declaration that saw troops surround parliament before lawmakers voted to overturn it.

President Yoon has yet to issue a public response to the opposition’s demands. However, his office confirmed that senior advisers and secretaries offered collective resignations, and the president postponed his official schedule for the day.

A Day of Political Turmoil

On Tuesday night, Yoon unexpectedly declared emergency martial law, vowing to eradicate what he described as “anti-state” forces amid challenges pushing his agenda in an opposition-dominated parliament. The declaration, however, lasted only six hours before the National Assembly overruled it in a decisive vote. By 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, martial law was formally lifted following a Cabinet meeting.

The liberal Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, issued a statement accusing Yoon of unconstitutional actions, labeling the martial law decree a “grave act of rebellion” and providing “perfect grounds for impeachment.”

Impeachment would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority (200 votes). The Democratic Party and smaller opposition parties together hold 192 seats. During the 190-0 vote to reject Yoon’s martial law, 18 lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) also voted in favor of overturning the decree.

PPP leader Han Dong-hun, a longtime ally of Yoon, condemned the martial law as unconstitutional, demanding an explanation and calling for the dismissal of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who allegedly advised Yoon to impose it. The Defense Ministry has not commented on the matter.

Scenes of Military Presence

The martial law marked South Korea’s first such declaration in over 40 years, evoking memories of the country’s military-backed governments of the past. On Tuesday night, armed troops encircled the National Assembly, using force to deter protesters while military helicopters hovered overhead. Some lawmakers were blocked from entering the assembly, though opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreamed himself climbing a wall to join the vote.

A National Assembly staff member used fire extinguishers to deter soldiers attempting to enter the building’s main hall. Despite the tense standoff, no significant violence was reported, and troops withdrew following the vote.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik praised the restraint shown during the crisis, saying, “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military.”

A Divisive Leadership

Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can only be declared in wartime or under comparable national emergencies. Experts argue Yoon’s move did not meet these criteria. Additionally, the president’s suspension of parliamentary functions violated constitutional provisions safeguarding the legislature’s authority during such emergencies.

Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party’s floor leader, called for an immediate investigation into Yoon’s actions, accusing him of rebellion. While presidents typically enjoy immunity from prosecution, exceptions are made for allegations of rebellion or treason.

The White House expressed serious concerns over the developments in Seoul, stating that President Joe Biden’s administration had not been informed of Yoon’s martial law decision beforehand. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that the U.S. military presence in South Korea remained unaffected.

In Seoul, life appeared normal on Wednesday, despite heightened police presence and ongoing protests. Tourists continued to visit landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, though some expressed unease about the political situation.

Yoon’s televised address on Tuesday night described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces.” North Korea has not commented on the events.

Critics, including Natalia Slavney, a research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North, have called Yoon’s declaration of martial law a “serious backslide of democracy.” She noted South Korea’s robust history of political pluralism, referencing former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2017 as evidence of the country’s ability to hold leaders accountable.

As South Korea navigates this political crisis, questions loom over the country’s democratic resilience and the future of Yoon’s presidency. For now, the nation remains on edge, bracing for the potential of further political upheaval.