Chaos in Seoul: Martial law lifted, opposition and government call for President Yoon Suk-yeol to resign.

South Korea has been shaken by an event unprecedented in its recent democratic history: the declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law by President Yoon Suk-yeol. This act, which has sparked outrage and dismay both at home and abroad, has led to a deep political crisis, with the opposition and majority unanimously demanding his resignation, and a mass mobilization in the streets of the country.

The declaration of martial law: an unprecedented act

On the night of December 3, 2024, without warning, President Yoon announced martial law, justifying it by the need to protect South Korea from alleged “hostile actions” by domestic forces close to North Korea. In the surprise televised speech, Yoon declared that he wanted to defend the “free Republic of Korea” and “eradicate anti-state forces” that he said were undermining the country’s democracy.

The announcement included drastic measures: the suspension of parliamentary activities, the banning of political parties, and the intervention of the armed forces. General Park An-su was appointed commander of martial law. However, no meeting of the State Council, necessary to pass a measure of this magnitude, was convened, immediately raising questions about the legitimacy of the action.

Protests and reactions: the parliamentary vote and the revocation

The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. The Parliament, led by the opposition but also supported by a part of the People Power Party, the president's party, unanimously rejected martial law. The vote, with 190 in favor out of 300, took place in a climate of extreme tension, with thousands of protesters gathering around the National Assembly building.

The military initially said it would consider martial law in place until the president ordered otherwise. However, domestic and international pressure forced Yoon to withdraw the measure after about six hours. The diplomatic intervention of the United States was crucial, having maintained direct contacts with the South Korean military leaders, urging them to respect parliamentary decisions.

The political crisis: calls for resignation and threat of impeachment

The lifting of martial law has not quelled criticism. The Democratic Party, the main opposition force, has accused Yoon of violating the constitution and announced its intention to initiate impeachment proceedings, calling the move “a serious act of rebellion.” Impeachment requires 200 out of 300 votes in parliament, a threshold that could be reached with the support of dissident lawmakers from the People Power Party.

The ruling party has also distanced itself from the president. Its leader, Han Dong-hoon, described Yoon’s decision as “tragic and wrong” and called for the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, whom he considers the main culprit behind the authoritarian move.

Resignations and protests: the country in turmoil

Making matters worse, Yoon’s top aides have offered to resign en masse, including presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk, signaling a collapse in domestic support for the president. Meanwhile, the country’s largest labor union has called a general strike, saying it will continue until Yoon resigns.

The streets have been the scene of mass protests, with demonstrations gathering tens of thousands of people in several cities, including the capital Seoul. The protesters are demanding not only Yoon's resignation, but also a structural reform of the South Korean political system to prevent future abuses of power.

International reactions and economic impacts

The political crisis in South Korea has raised global concern. The European Union, the United States and other international actors have expressed alarm over the situation, calling for respect for democratic institutions. China and Russia have also been closely monitoring events, given South Korea's strategic importance in the region.

On the economic front, the crisis had an immediate impact. The South Korean won fell 25% against the dollar, marking its worst performance in two years. The Seoul stock market recorded a significant fall, fueling fears of further instability.

An uncertain future

The crisis sparked by the sudden declaration of martial law is a deep wound to South Korean democracy, a country that has struggled for decades to free itself from the era of military dictatorships. The gesture by Yoon, the first president to declare martial law in 45 years, has recalled dark periods in the nation's history and raised serious questions about the country's political future.