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Posted by Sophie-Ha 7 hours ago 3,487

Political circles continue to be confused by President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration that ended after just two hours

AKP STAFF

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law at 11 PM on December 3, only for it to be rescinded by a unanimous National Assembly vote roughly two hours later, at 1 AM on December 4. This abrupt reversal has placed President Yoon in a precarious political position, with many likening the situation to a de facto impeachment.

Political circles are struggling to explain the rationale behind what many are calling a significant misstep by President Yoon. Some speculate that he may no longer wish to remain president, as no other convincing explanation has been offered.

When news of President Yoon’s emergency press conference broke on the night of December 3, most anticipated that it would address disputes over the national budget and criticize the opposition. However, the announcement of martial law—a move no one expected—threw the nation into chaos. The lack of prior notification to intelligence agencies, the military, or the police amplified the confusion.

Martial law, under the Constitution, can only be declared by the president in cases of war, armed conflict, or comparable national emergencies, such as severe social disorder that impairs administrative and judicial functions. President Yoon appears to have invoked the provision relating to extreme social disorder.

In his briefing, President Yoon justified the martial law declaration by citing the opposition party’s actions, claiming they had submitted 22 impeachment motions against government officials since his administration began, with 10 more under consideration since June. He characterized these actions as unprecedented and disruptive.

Two hours after the declaration, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution with 190 votes to nullify the martial law, rendering it ineffective.

The legality and constitutionality of the martial law declaration are now under scrutiny. A political science professor from a national university remarked, “It’s unclear under whose authority the president could justify shutting down the National Assembly. While the declaration itself could be interpreted as the president’s judgment, specific actions taken under martial law may constitute violations of law or the Constitution.”

Observers predict that this move may bring President Yoon closer to impeachment. While he argued that martial law was necessary to preserve constitutional order, critics contend that the declaration itself undermined constitutional principles. Han Dong Hoon, leader of the People’s Power Party, immediately criticized the move, stating, “This unconstitutional and illegal declaration of martial law is something we, the People’s Power Party, will absolutely oppose.”

The controversy evokes parallels with former President Park Geun Hye’s impeachment. The Constitutional Court at the time noted that unconstitutional and illegal actions by the president constituted a betrayal of public trust and a serious violation of law that cannot be tolerated.

President Yoon justified the declaration by accusing the opposition of legislative obstruction, forcing through the budget unilaterally, and attempting to impeach key officials such as the Auditor General and prosecutors. He also criticized delays in appointing Constitutional Court justices, which he argued had paralyzed judicial functions. He framed these actions as an attack on the functions of legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

On November 29, the opposition passed a budget with cuts, citing a lack of agreement with the government and ruling party. President Yoon condemned this as damaging to the nation’s core functions, accusing the opposition of slashing critical funding for anti-drug measures, public safety, and essential operations.

In his martial law declaration, President Yoon labeled the opposition as “anti-state forces,” accusing them of plotting rebellion and disrupting lawful state institutions. He further criticized the National Assembly, stating, “The legislature, which should serve as the foundation of our democracy, has become a monster seeking to destroy the democratic system.

President Yoon went on to describe the opposition as “shameless, pro-North, anti-state forces” and pledged to eliminate them “in one sweep,” signaling potential crackdowns, including arrests and bans on opposition activities.


SEE ALSO: Soldier bows in apology to citizens after exiting National Assembly building amid Martial Law Reversal

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