South Korea: Martial Law Declared in 2024

Emergency Martial Law After 45 Years: A Crisis for South Korean Democracy

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol abruptly declared emergency martial law, citing the need to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces" and "protect the free democratic order." This is the first such event in 45 years, since the 1980 5.18 Democratization Movement, and a shocking event that shakes the foundation of South Korean democracy.

President Yoon's Declaration of Emergency Martial Law: The Background and Controversy

In an emergency address, President Yoon defined the National Assembly's impeachment motion and budget cuts as "the activities of anti-state forces," claiming that these actions would lead to "national paralysis" and the "collapse of the liberal democratic system." He also strongly criticized the National Assembly, referring to it as a "group of criminals."

However, President Yoon's claims have been met with strong opposition from the opposition party and civil society. The opposition party criticizes President Yoon's declaration of martial law as an "illegal, unconstitutional, and anti-national measure" aimed at neutralizing the National Assembly's checking function and protecting the regime's safety. They also point out that the National Assembly's budget review and impeachment motion are constitutionally guaranteed powers, and defining them as "anti-state acts" undermines the basic principles of democracy.

South Korea Now, After the Declaration of Martial Law...

Immediately after the declaration of martial law, Commander of Martial Law, Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, issued Proclamation No. 1, prohibiting all political activities, including National Assembly and political party activities, political gatherings, and protests. Media and publications are now under the control of the martial law command, and strikes and rallies that incite social unrest are also banned. As a result, the National Assembly has been sealed off, barricades have been erected around the presidential office in Yongsan, and freedom of the press is severely restricted.

The clash between the martial law troops attempting to enter the National Assembly and the National Assembly staff and Democratic Party officials resisting them clearly demonstrates the severity of the current situation. This physical conflict raises concerns that it could easily escalate into bloodshed.

The Political Response and the National Assembly's Resistance

Critical voices are emerging even within the ruling party. Representative Han Dong-hoon stated that President Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law was wrong and that he would stand with the people to stop it. The opposition party is strongly protesting and demanding an immediate lifting of martial law. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik held an emergency press conference, expressing his determination to respond in accordance with constitutional procedures.

On December 4, the National Assembly held a plenary session and passed a resolution demanding the lifting of emergency martial law. According to Article 77, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, if the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with the consent of a majority of its members, the President must comply.