It all started with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise announcement on television that martial law had been declared. As the reason for the decision, Yoon accused the opposition parties of displaying pro-North Korean attitudes and obstructing the government from functioning. Both the army and the MPs, receiving instructions from the government, flocked to the National Assembly. The declaration of martial law was lifted with the vote of the members of parliament, but tension continues. Action has already been taken to remove President Yoon from office.
PRESIDENT YOON’S DISMISSAL IS REQUESTED
According to Yonhap’s news, opposition parties took action against Yoon, who unexpectedly declared martial law in the country yesterday. Opposition parties in the country announced that they will submit a proposal to the parliament today for Yoon’s dismissal. The proposal is expected to be voted on within the week.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) had demanded President Yoon’s resignation. Yoon’s senior advisors also stated that they had submitted their resignations.
THE GOVERNING PARTY ALSO ASKED FOR THE RESIGNATION OF THE DEFENSE MINISTER
“As the ruling party, we feel we owe a public apology for today’s disastrous situation,” Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), told reporters at the National Assembly. he said.
Han said, “President Yoon should explain this disastrous situation and all those responsible, especially the defense minister who suggested martial law, should be held accountable.” he said.
Stating that the ruling party will work to minimize the damage of the situation to the country’s economy and diplomacy, Han emphasized that he will follow up on the investigation of the incident and taking the necessary measures.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that Minister Kim suggested Yoon to declare martial law. Kim, the former head of the Presidential Security Service, is known as a name close to Yoon.
MINISTER OF DEFENSE SUBMITTED HIS RESIGNATION
Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was held responsible for the declaration of martial law by the government, submitted his resignation to President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim apologized to the citizens for what happened and said, “I submitted my resignation to the president.”
WHAT HAPPENED?
So what happened in South Korea around midnight last night?
In his speech on television last night, President Yoon declared martial law on the grounds that “the opposition was involved in anti-state activities”, but he took a step back when the parliament lifted the decision with a vote and then it was approved by the council of ministers.
Yoon accused the opposition of “obstructing the government from functioning” and argued that martial law “aims to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and preserve the constitutional order of freedom.”
Following the declaration of martial law, the Ministry of Defense instructed the commanders in the army to meet and called for vigilance. On the other hand, soldiers assigned as “martial law troops” entered the National Assembly.
OPPOSITION LEADER: “MARTIAL LAW IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL”
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), stated that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law was “unconstitutional”.
According to the news of the South Korean agency Yonhap, in the statement made by the DP about the martial law, the members of the party were summoned to the National Assembly.
DP leader Lee described the martial law decision as “an unconstitutional and anti-public move” and said, “President Yoon declared martial law for no reason. Tanks, armored vehicles, soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country.” he said.
ENTRANCES AND EXITS TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ARE CLOSED IN THE COUNTRY
Access to the National Assembly campus was blocked by guards and police after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
As of 23.30 local time, guards and police officers guarding the doors of the National Assembly allowed entry only to MPs, parliamentary staff and accredited reporters after identity checks.
It was stated that after Yoon’s declaration of martial law, a fight broke out between dozens of citizens gathered in front of the Parliament and the police.
YOON’S PARTY ALSO OBJECTED THE DECISION
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, also objected to the martial law decision, describing it as “wrong”.
In his statement right after the declaration of martial law, Khan stated that “they will block the decision together with the people.”
In the statement made by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was reported that Minister Cho Tae-yul decided to meet with senior officials following the said decision.
In his statement after the declaration of martial law, South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok announced that he would hold a meeting with officials from the Central Bank, Financial Services Commission and Financial Supervision Service.
DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW WAS REMOVED BY THE VOTE OF THE MPS
The motion to lift the martial law decision in the emergency session held in the National Assembly was accepted with the votes of 190 deputies. The Office of the President of the National Assembly announced that martial law became “nullified” after the vote.
Thereupon, Yoon gathered the council of ministers and announced that he had ended martial law after the approval of the cabinet.
(AA)