South Korea Declares and Cancels Martial Law: What Are the Geopolitical Impacts?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law in a move that caught everyone by surprise. The situation is particularly striking given that Yoon is a favourite in Washington and South Korea is considered part of the self-declared “West,” referring to Western-style liberal democracies.
What Happened in South Korea?
Shortly after the announcement, police vehicles barricaded the National Assembly, and armed soldiers entered the building, forcibly breaking a window to gain access. Martial Law Commander and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su issued Proclamation No. 1, prohibiting all political activities, including the operations of the National Assembly, local assemblies, and political parties. Protests, gatherings, and even media activities were restricted under the decree.
Despite these measures, by 1:00 a.m. (KST), the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law with 190 out of 300 members present voting unanimously in favor. Under Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, this resolution obligates the president to comply. By 1:12 a.m., soldiers withdrew from the National Assembly, and approximately 2,000 citizens gathered outside, chanting, “Long live the Republic of Korea!”
How Does This Compare to Previous Martial Law Declarations?
South Korea has seen 16 instances of martial law since its founding in 1948, invoked during times of war or national emergencies. Article 77 of the Constitution allows for emergency and security martial law. Emergency martial law, as declared by Yoon, grants the president powers to restrict freedoms such as speech, assembly, and publication while altering judicial and governmental authority, such as outlined by the president’s declaration: Prohibition of all political activities, including protests and party operations; Media and publications placed under the control of the Martial Law Command; Prohibition of social disruption, including strikes; Medical personnel are required to return to their duties within 48 hours or face penalties; Citizens’ daily lives disrupted as little as possible, except for “antistate forces”; Violators face detention and punishment without a warrant.
The Motivations of President Yoon to........
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