Members of the largest opposition party staged demonstrations against South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol.Image: trapezoid
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol faces calls to resign over his short-lived martial law. The largest opposition party accused the conservative head of state of violating the constitution and called on Yin to resign immediately. Otherwise, impeachment proceedings will be initiated. The union threatened a strike. Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon also expressed sharp criticism: According to South Korean media reports, he called on the president to explain his actions and fire Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun due to the “catastrophic situation.”
Han Dongxun, leader of the ruling party, also expressed sharp criticism.Image: trapezoid
The president, who was polling low in the polls, unexpectedly lifted martial law within hours that evening. All 190 members of the National Assembly had previously called on him to vote to effect the change. Ten of the president's top advisers want to resign, including Yoon's chief of staff and national security adviser, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.
international attention
It was initially unclear what prompted Yin to take the drastic step. As South Korea's most important ally and protector, the United States, like Germany, is deeply concerned about the short-term imposition of martial law. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also said that the Japanese government is “gravely concerned” about developments in neighboring countries. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Yin's subsequent change of attitude and warned that political differences must be “resolved peacefully and in accordance with the principles of the rule of law.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Yin's subsequent about-face.Image: trapezoid
In Seoul, thousands of demonstrators marched at night in front of the military-blocked parliament, loudly protesting Yoon's actions. The South Korean government also criticized: “The Republic of Korea is a free democracy. We stand with the people to defend freedom and democracy and will resolutely oppose the declaration of martial law,” said party leader Han Dong-hoon.
President blames opposition
This is the first time that the country's president has declared martial law since South Korea's democratic transition in the late 1980s. Previously, South Korea was largely under a military dictatorship after gaining independence from Japan in 1945. In the spring of 1980, then-military dictator Chun Doo-hwan imposed martial law for the last time.
All political activities in South Korea were briefly banned as Yoon declared a state of emergency. The 63-year-old has also effectively restricted the activities of media and publishers.
In a live televised speech, Yoon argued that the purpose of martial law is to “protect the liberal constitutional order.”Image: trapezoid
In a live televised speech, Yoon argued that the purpose of martial law is to “protect the liberal constitutional order.” “At 11 o'clock last night, I declared a state of emergency with the unwavering intention of protecting the country from subversive forces,” he said. Yoon accused the opposition of being sympathetic to North Korea's communist regime.
South Korea remains officially at war with its northern neighbor since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. For those on the political right, to which Yoon Eun-hye belongs, slandering the left-wing camp as communist and “pro-North Korea” is a common accusation.
Yoon battles poor poll numbers
Experts believe that Yin's actions are likely to be motivated by domestic politics. The unpopular president's poll ratings have been low for months. Over the weekend, a growing number of demonstrators took to the streets in central Seoul to demand his impeachment. There have also long been corruption allegations against his wife. Meanwhile, the government camp and the opposition are at loggerheads over the state budget for the coming year.
Yoon accused the opposition-dominated parliament of obstructing government business by passing motions to impeach ministers and other officials. Since the government took office in May 2022, Congress has submitted 22 impeachment cases.
The president plays an important role in South Korea's political system. The Prime Minister is also clearly his subordinate. The directly elected president has relatively comprehensive powers, but cannot be re-elected after a one-time five-year legislative period. Experts say Yoon is unlikely to stay in office until his legislative term ends in 2027, given public pressure.
Despite the protests in front of parliament, the situation remained calm except for some minor clashes. The German Embassy in Seoul initially believed that “the personal safety and property of foreigners were not directly threatened.” (Sudanese Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)
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