South Korean President Reverses Martial Law After National Assembly Rejection

Yoon Suk Yeol lifts martial law hours after its declaration, facing unanimous opposition from lawmakers and public protests.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in South Korea, citing threats from 'pro-North Korean anti-state forces,' but faced immediate backlash from opposition parties and his own People Power Party.
The National Assembly, including all present lawmakers, unanimously voted to reject the martial law order, forcing Yoon to rescind the declaration during a televised address.
Protesters gathered outside parliament, denouncing the move as unconstitutional and reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian past, with labor unions threatening strikes until the president stepped down.
The declaration of martial law, which included bans on political activities, media control, and forced labor directives, marked South Korea's first such order in over 40 years and drew international concern from allies like the United States and Germany.
Yoon's approval ratings, already at record lows, are expected to decline further, with analysts suggesting the failed attempt at military rule could lead to impeachment proceedings.