South Korean President Announces Plan to Lift Martial Law

In a significant move, South Korea’s president declares his intention to end martial law, emphasizing the restoration of democratic principles and civil freedoms in the nation.

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has announced that he will lift the “emergency martial law” just hours after its introduction, following a unanimous parliamentary vote against it.

On Tuesday, Yoon unexpectedly announced the decision, pointing to the threat from “pro-North Korean forces” and accusing the parliamentary majority of engaging in anti-state activities.

Within hours, 190 lawmakers with access to the National Assembly building voted unanimously to rescind the decree. In response, the military declared that martial law would continue “until the president says otherwise.”

Shortly after 4 a.m. local time, Yoon declared that he would lift the state of emergency.

Lee Jae-myung, the head of the opposition Democratic Party, criticized Yoon’s declaration as “unconstitutional” and urged both the military and police to return to their regular responsibilities.

Last week, Lee’s party voted against Yoon’s proposed 2025 budget and has since called for investigations into multiple scandals involving the president’s wife and senior officials.