The opposition Democratic Party has called on President Yoon Suk Yeol to quit after his short-lived imposition of martial law.
Martial law was declared in South Korea in surprise late-night broadcast, but it was overturned hours later by the parliament.
On Tuesday night, Yoon abruptly imposed emergency martial law, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces after he struggled to advance his agenda in the opposition-dominated parliament. But his martial law was effective for about six hours, as the National Assembly voted to overrule him. The declaration was formally lifted around 4.30am during a cabinet meeting.
Yoon’s martial law declaration harked back to the era of military-backed governments between 1948 and 1987, when authorities occasionally proclaimed martial law and other decrees that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armoured vehicles on streets or at public places such as schools to prevent anti-government demonstrations. Such scenes had not been seen since South Korea achieved a genuine democracy in the late 1980s.
The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. “As a close partner and friend of the Republic of Korea, we hope for a democratic and peaceful resolution for the Korean people,” the spokesperson said.South Korea’s currency, the won, fell sharply against the US dollar, and a central bank official said it was preparing measures to stabilise the market if needed.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Korean president apologises for first lady scandals, claims unfair media portrayalThe South Korean president says he's sorry for controversies surrounding his wife, but also denied wrongdoing and claimed opponents had 'demonised' her.
Read more »
South Korean president practising golf to prepare for future meetings with Donald TrumpIt is estimated that Trump played hundreds of rounds of golf during his first term as president of the United States
Read more »
South Africa football federation president Danny Jordaan arrested and bailed7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
South Korea's President Declares Martial Law, Facing Immediate OppositionPresident Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law amid political turmoil. The parliament, led by the opposition Democratic Party, swiftly overturned the declaration. The move was criticized by opposition parties and leaders within his own conservative party, drawing parallels to authoritarian rule from decades past.
Read more »
‘People in shock’: South Korea president says he will lift martial lawMPs and protesters quickly voiced opposition to the most serious challenge to the country’s democracy since the 1980s.
Read more »
South Korea’s president lifts martial law in the face of united oppositionRightwing president backs down after most serious challenge to country’s democracy since 1980s
Read more »