Rightwing president backs down after most serious challenge to country’s democracy since 1980s
South Korea’s rightwing president has been forced to back down after he unexpectedly declared martial law only to face unanimous opposition from the national assembly, in the most serious challenge to the country’s democracy since the 1980s.amid a dispute with opposition parties he accused of pro-North Korean sympathies and anti-state activities.
The cabinet approved a motion to lift the order shortly after, prompting jubilation among protesters who had braved freezing temperatures to gather outside parliament.The US said it was watching events in its key Asian ally – where it has 28,500 troops stationed to guard against North Korea – with “grave concern” and hoped that any political disputes would be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
The crowd in Seoul cheered when the national assembly voted to reject his decree and called for Yoon’s arrest, chanting “Abolish martial law” and “Oppose martial law”. Helicopters circled overhead as armed officers had marched on and attempted to force entry into the building, where parliamentary staffers attempted to push then back with fire extinguishers to allow MPs to convene to vote down the decree.
A spokesperson for the US national security council also said that the US was not notified in advance of Yoon’s plans. “We are seriously concerned by the developments we are seeing on the ground,” the spokesperson said.
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