What is happening in South Korea? The backlash to President Yoon’s martial law declaration

The latest news out of Seoul is that the National Assembly has rejected President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree as null and void and has demanded it be lifted. Woo Won-shik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated: “The Constitution mandates the president to immediately notify the National Assembly when declaring martial law. The president’s failure to do so makes them accountable. The National Assembly will stand with the people to protect democracy.” Speaker Woo Won-shik added, “According to the National Assembly’s decision, the president must immediately revoke the martial law. The declaration of martial law is now invalid and the military and police currently inside the National Assembly should immediately leave the premises.”

Currently, the National Assembly is required to unanimously declare the lifting of martial law, yet the president has not officially confirmed its termination. “What is most concerning is the question of the president’s intentions behind these actions. It is hard to believe that such a significant decision was made solely to create an issue.,” says Minje Jung, a South Korean university student studying abroad. “Moreover, it seems unlikely that the president did not anticipate the current push to end martial law, raising the question of why such a dramatic move to garner attention was made.”

South Korean citizens are the losers in this political battle

Jung explains how the situation has already affected her: “In particular, the value of the Korean won has surged, and the euro has risen nearly 3 percent compared to a few hours ago, hitting a new high,” she says. “Furthermore, the situation has led to issues such as the inability to exchange currency and errors in banking and card systems, which has caused me, as someone abroad, to experience the negative impact as well.”

“The country is in limbo as there have been clashes between civilians, lawmakers, and military personnel near the National Assembly building. Helicopters and armored vehicles on urban roads have added to the chaos,” explains Chaeyeon Kim, a South Korean university student who has helped explain what is happening in the country at the moment. Kim has stated that military personnel have been ordered to return to their posts and people feel that this political standoff between President Yoon and the Democtratic Party is not benefitting anyone.

The reason why President Yoon declared martial law

The South Korean president has justified his decision to maintain the the country’s stability and sustainability: “I am declaring martial law to protect a free South Korea from the North Korean communist forces, eliminate shameless pro-North Korean and anti-state forces that prey upon the freedom and happiness of our people, and protect the free constitutional order,” he said. “I will rebuild and protect South Korea from ruin and despair through martial law.”

New York Times is reporting that Army Gen. Park An-soo was appointed martial law commander He has banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies. Gen. Park has warned that those who violate the decree can be arrested without a court warrant.

The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1980 when an uprising led by students and labor unions took place. President Yoon’s decision comes at a difficult time for his government due to the opposing Democratic Party’s attempt to impeach government officials amongst claims of corruption

BBC World Service in Seoul has spoken to John Nilsson-Wright, an associate professor at the University of Cambridge. Nilsson-Wright says he sees no signs of the military on the streets of Seoul, “The streets look normal, people here are certainly bewildered,” he says. “It looked like this was simply politics of a normal sort.”

The Pentagon is monitoring the situation and the White House National Security Council has issued a statement, using the initials for the formal name of South Korea, the Republic of Korea: “The administration is in contact with the R.O.K. government and is monitoring the situation closely.”

Understanding the political situation in South Korea

President Yoon is under pressure from the opposing party, the Democtratic Party led by Lee Jae-myung, which holds majority in parliament. The current president is facing low approval ratings because of controversies and scandals and cannot get legislation approved as the Democratic party has a strong majority in the South Korean parliament. We will be continuing coverage as news comes in from Seoul.

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