Opposition Politician Calls for President’s Removal
“Nothing is over,” stated Cho Kuk, leader of a small opposition party, while addressing demonstrators outside Parliament. “The president threatens democracy and the constitution,” he declared, promising to gather votes from other parties to impeach Yoon.

Cabinet Decides to Lift Martial Law

CNN: Protesters Remain Outside Parliament
“We will not back down because we do not want South Korea to return to an era of military rule,” said citizens gathered outside Parliament. Despite the president’s announcement to lift martial law, the crowd remains, CNN reports. Some hold flags and placards, while others call for the president’s removal. Regardless of the events, President Yoon’s political future remains uncertain.

President Yoon: Martial Law Will Be Lifted Once Ministers Gather
In a televised address, South Korea’s president explained that he tried to convene the Cabinet to lift martial law but failed due to the late hour. Martial law will be revoked when the minimum required number of ministers assembles. It is currently 5 a.m. in Seoul.

South Korean Currency Falls Following Martial Law Declaration
The economic dimension of South Korea’s crisis saw the won drop significantly against the dollar after the declaration of martial law. The won fell 1.55% against the dollar, trading at 1,428.09 won per dollar.

Immediate Update: Martial Law to Be Lifted
In a televised address, President Yoon admitted “defeat” and announced the lifting of martial law after the opposition’s parliamentary block. Martial law had been declared earlier, causing chaos with military intervention in Parliament and mass protests in Seoul.

President Yoon stated: “South Korea must remain vigilant. I have accepted the National Assembly’s decision to dissolve and lift martial law.” Of the 300 National Assembly members, 190 attended the emergency session late in the evening, just hours after Yoon’s declaration. All 190 voted to block the move. Following the vote, dozens of soldiers who had entered the main parliamentary building began withdrawing, according to the Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo.

Earlier, the president’s shocking move to impose martial law angered Parliament, including members of his own ruling party, sparking large-scale protests and widespread international concern. Lawmakers then convened in Parliament to vote against the measure, prompting the president to officially revoke it.

Even members of the ruling party opposed the decision. Before the parliamentary vote, Han Dong-Hoon, the head of Yoon’s political party, condemned martial law and pledged to block it alongside opposition lawmakers, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The leader of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-Myung, called the declaration “unconstitutional,” describing it as an act “against the people.” “President Yoon declared unnecessary martial law,” Lee stated. “Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country.”

According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, individuals who violate martial law can be detained without a warrant. Parliamentary activities are prohibited. Medical personnel, including trainee doctors, have been ordered to return to work within 48 hours

First Reaction from the U.S.
The White House announced that the Biden administration is in communication with the South Korean government and is closely monitoring developments.

Scenes of Chaos Inside the National Assembly
A large crowd gathers outside the National Assembly building in Seoul, attempting to force their way through the doors. Only members of the National Assembly, staff, and journalists are allowed inside.

What Follows with the Imposition of Martial Law
Martial law enforces an immediate ban on political activities and demonstrations, with all media subjected to government monitoring.

Military Enters the Parliament
Television footage shows the military entering the main chamber of parliament. South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that access to the parliament building has been blocked.

What is Happening in Parliament
South Korea’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party, which holds the majority in parliament, has called on all its lawmakers to assemble in the National Assembly, according to Yonhap. This is despite the building being under lockdown.

South Korean Won Plummets After Martial Law Declaration
The South Korean won dropped to as low as 1,430 won per dollar during overnight offshore trading after President Yoon declared martial law.

South Korea’s President Yun Suk-yeol has declared martial law, citing problems in the country’s governance due to opposition actions.

Specifically, the South Korean president said the government has been driven to “paralysis” because of the opposition, noting that he will proceed to purge pro-North Korean elements.

President Yun Suk-yeol said he would “rebuild a free and democratic country through martial law.”