SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his recent martial law decree in a passionate televised address, deeming it a necessary measure for governance. He vowed to persevere against opposition-led impeachment efforts, amidst growing investigations into whether his recent power seizure constituted a rebellion. Yoon’s statement, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of a past military coup in South Korea, has intensified the political crisis that has engulfed the nation, leading to a standstill in politics, diplomatic engagements, and financial markets. The main opposition Democratic Party has filed a fresh impeachment motion against the President, accusing him of instigating his far-right supporters to create disturbances ahead of the impeachment vote scheduled for the weekend. Here is a summary of the tumultuous events that have unfolded in South Korea since last week, shaking the foundations of one of Asia’s most robust democracies:
DECEMBER 3
In an unexpected announcement at 10:29 p.m., President Yoon declares martial law on national television, citing the opposition-dominated parliament as a hub of criminal activities hindering governmental functions. Yoon pledges to eliminate his political adversaries, branding them as pro-North Korea and anti-state elements responsible for the nation’s troubles, without providing concrete evidence. In response, the Democratic Party calls for an emergency meeting, while lawmakers rush to the National Assembly. The military’s martial law command issues a decree granting vast powers, including the suspension of political activities and media control, with the threat of arrest for violators. Troops surround the Assembly to prevent lawmakers from convening to revoke the martial law order. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung live-streams his journey to the Assembly, urging support from the public. Later, he is seen climbing over a fence to access the grounds.
DECEMBER 4
Shortly after midnight, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik announces via YouTube that the Assembly will use constitutional procedures to challenge Yoon’s martial law declaration. Woo, along with some troops, attempts to enter the main chamber, but their efforts are thwarted. Eventually, a meeting is convened, and 190 lawmakers vote unanimously to lift martial law. Troops and police withdraw from the Assembly. Yoon’s martial law is officially lifted following a Cabinet meeting. Subsequently, opposition parties submit an impeachment motion, denouncing the President’s actions as a severe breach of the constitution, which limits emergency powers and prohibits the suspension of parliamentary activities under any circumstances.
On December 5, the Democratic Party stated that the President’s decision to declare martial law was a violation of the Constitution and grounds for impeachment. Yoon appointed a new Defense Minister, replacing Kim Yong Hyun, who was believed to have recommended martial law. Yoon’s People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hun, initially opposed the impeachment motion but later expressed concerns about Yoon’s potential extreme actions, prompting support for suspending the President’s constitutional powers. Han claimed that Yoon had planned to arrest key politicians during the martial law period. Opposition leader Lee questioned Yoon’s mental fitness and vowed to push for impeachment.
On December 7, Yoon survived the impeachment attempt due to the ruling party lawmakers boycotting the vote. Yoon apologized for the martial law decree and pledged to take legal and political responsibility. The Democratic Party announced plans for a new impeachment motion. On December 8, the former Defense Minister, Kim Yong Hyun, was detained over his involvement in planning martial law. On December 9, an overseas travel ban was imposed on Yoon as investigations into rebellion allegations expanded.
On December 10, the Army Special Warfare Command commander testified that he was instructed by Kim to obstruct lawmakers during martial law but did not carry out Yoon’s orders to forcibly remove them. On December 11, Kim was arrested for colluding in imposing martial law. Police attempted to search Yoon’s office for evidence related to the martial law, but were blocked by his security team.
Seoul’s top officials under fire for enforcing martial law orders issued by Yoon, the embattled leader. Yoon stands firm in defense of his decree, rejecting accusations of rebellion and pledging to resist impeachment efforts. Opposition parties push forward with a new motion to oust him from office, while Parliament takes action against the national police chief and Justice Minister for their involvement in implementing martial law.
