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South Korean President’s Unexpected Decree Ends Martial Law, Sparking Nationwide Reaction

outh Korean Cabinet Reverses Martial Law After President Yoon’s Surprise Decree Sparks Turmoil

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s cabinet has reversed a controversial martial law order, hours after his unexpected decree threw the nation into political disarray. The president had declared martial law late Tuesday, citing alleged anti-state activities by the opposition, but backtracked in the early hours of Wednesday as backlash mounted from lawmakers and the public.

The martial law order, which briefly deployed troops to the National Assembly and imposed sweeping restrictions on political activity, faced immediate condemnation. Opposition lawmakers, who scrambled overnight to nullify the decree through a parliamentary vote, are now demanding accountability, with calls for resignations across the government.

The Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, has threatened to impeach Yoon if he does not resign voluntarily. “We will not stand by and watch President Yoon’s blatant violation of the Constitution and democracy,” the party stated, adding that impeachment proceedings would begin if he refused to step down.

Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People’s Power Party, apologized to the public and called for the dismissal of the defense minister, who reportedly recommended martial law. “The president must thoroughly explain this grave incident,” Han said, emphasizing the need for accountability.

This marked the first declaration of martial law in South Korea since 1980, a period remembered for its authoritarian rule. Yoon’s late-night announcement, during which he accused opposition leaders of “anti-state behavior,” revived painful memories of past crackdowns.

The decree initially prohibited political activity, authorized arrests without warrants, and banned protests, strikes, and the dissemination of “fake news.” Troops had entered the National Assembly ahead of the parliamentary vote but withdrew after lawmakers overturned the decree with 190 of 300 members opposing it.

Outside the parliament, citizens gathered in protest cheered when news of the vote emerged, shouting slogans like “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk Yeol, step down!”

Yoon justified his decree as a measure to safeguard South Korea against North Korean threats and internal dissent, but critics labeled it a dangerous overreach. The episode has left the president’s administration facing intense scrutiny and potential impeachment proceedings, further deepening political divisions in the country.

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