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Yesterday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law in the country – but only hours later it was lifted.
Now the opposition wants the president to resign.
Here are five points about the chaos in South Korea.
1. Introduced in a chaotic political situation
On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of military emergency, and so-called martial law. These prohibit, among other things, public demonstrations. At the same time, the military presence in the capital Seoul is increasing. According to the president, the reason was to protect democracy from the opposition. He accuses them of collaborating with North Korea, which then threatens the country’s security.
The martial law announcement came in an already tense situation, with the president’s PPP and the opposition DP still unable to agree on next year’s budget.
At the same time, the president is struggling with corruption charges.
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full screen National Assembly politicians spraying fire extinguishers at military personnel inside the National Assembly in Seoul. Photo: AP
2. The laws are repealed
But after just a few hours later, around 8:30 p.m. Swedish time, Reuters reported that the South Korean parliament repeals martial law. That after a vote in the National Assembly where a majority was against the laws. But the military, who are loyal to President Yoon, have ignored this, claiming that only the president can end the state of emergency. But under South Korean law, the president is required to follow the vote.
Applause reportedly broke out in the plenary hall after the vote.
3. Residents confused – gathered outside parliament
As martial law was announced without warning, and then lifted, there was great confusion among the inhabitants of the country, the BBC reports. Many were also angry. Videos and photos show large demonstration stations outside the parliament shouting “Grab Yoon Suk Yeol.”
According to the AP news agency, protesters were also in the entrance to the parliament.
On Friday morning, despite all the drama, everyday life is normal. Schools and workplaces open as usual, and so do government services and banks.
4. National and international criticism is growing
Several countries, including the United States, have condemned the action, calling it a dangerous escalation in a democratic country. The US says it was not informed in advance of President Yoon’s plan, according to Axios.
The UN announced that it was following the situation in South Korea “carefully and with concern”, and is now calling for a peaceful solution.
On December 4, the opposition announced it had tabled a motion to impeach Yoon after his failed attempt to impose martial law late Tuesday, the Yonhap news agency reported.
5. Ulf Kristersson cancels visits
Four Swedish ministers – Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister of Business Ebba Busch, Minister of Defense Pål Jonson and Minister of Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa – were to visit South Korea later this week.
Late on Tuesday evening, Ulf Kristersson’s press secretary announced that the trip was postponed.
In a comment to TT, Ulf Kristersson said, among other things, that it was a “quite natural decision after the night’s events”.