South Korea has been plunged into political uncertainty after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in a surprise late-night address on Tuesday, December 3.
Lawmakers who assembled in the country’s parliament unanimously voted to block Yoon’s decree. Footage showed that some members appeared to have clashed with authorities as they attempted to enter the building.
While it’s unclear exactly what effect the vote will have on the declaration, troops have begun withdrawing from parliament, according to South Korean media. Under South Korean law, the president is obliged to comply with the vote.
Yoon said the move was necessary to protect the country from “communist forces” in North Korea. His decision comes as the main opposition Democratic Party has repeatedly attempted to impeach government officials, which Yoon says has paralyzed the government.
The Biden administration is in contact with the government of South Korea, a close ally of the US, a National Security Council spokesperson told CNN. A senior Biden administration official said the US is “seriously concerned” by the developments.
In a television address, the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared emergency martial law, citing threats from North Korea and internal pro-communist elements. The unannounced declaration comes as tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate.
President Yoon stated that the decision was necessary to “protect the liberal constitutional order” and remove “pro-North Korea forces” undermining the country’s stability.
CNN
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