On December 4, People Power Party leader Han Dong Hoon stated that the National Assembly’s approval of a resolution to lift the state of martial law, declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol, rendered the declaration both unconstitutional and ineffective.
Speaking to reporters gathered at the National Assembly, Han Dong Hoon expressed regret over the situation, saying, "As the ruling party, we deeply regret that such an incident occurred."
He added, "The resolution to lift martial law has nullified its practical effect. Any exercise of public authority by the military or police based on the martial law order is now unlawful. The People's Power Party, as the ruling party, will stand by public officials who refuse to comply with illegal orders."
Han Dong Hoon also addressed the issue on social media, stating, "As martial law has lost its substantive effect, from this moment forward, all state institutions, including the military and police, have an obligation not to comply with unlawful or improper orders."
He further emphasized, "I strongly urge that no rash actions be taken to restrict the freedoms and rights of the people. Public officials have the right to refuse illegal and improper orders, and we will ensure that they are protected from any legal repercussions for doing so."
Meanwhile, the National Assembly convened a plenary session around 1 AM on December 4 and unanimously passed the resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. All 190 members present at the session voted in favor of the resolution.
The resolution was introduced amidst heightened political tension and growing demands from civil society, emphasizing that maintaining martial law was unnecessary. It was passed approximately 150 minutes after President Yoon’s emergency press conference the previous night announcing the declaration of martial law.
The Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly stated, "With the approval of the resolution to lift martial law, the declaration is null and void."
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