South Koreans Demand President’s Resignation for Martial Law Declaration

South Koreans march in mass to protest at the presidential palace, demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

On Tuesday, the president had declared an emergency martial law, citing threats from North Korea and domestic political unrest. But outraged lawmakers unanimously rejected the decree, which led to the president scrapping the martial law early on Wednesday.

According to reports, military vehicles and personnel were seen moving through the streets of Seoul while helicopters patrolled the skies, signalling an escalation in the nation’s internal tensions.

President Yoon accused opposition lawmakers of sabotaging the government and aligning with North Korea.

I am declaring martial law to protect a free South Korea from the North Korean communist forces, eliminate shameless pro-North Korean and anti-state forces that prey upon the freedom and happiness of our people, and protect the free constitutional order, Yoon said.

The president framed his decision as necessary to safeguard South Korea’s democracy and security, asserting, “I will rebuild and protect South Korea from ruin and despair through martial law.”

There are also reports that the South Korean military occupied the National Assembly. The MPs are being prevented from entering Parliament by the police.

A protest was held outside parliament, with  “chants of “no to martial law”. BBC reported that Yoon’s People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party have disputed next year’s budget bill.

The declaration of martial law means that military authorities should rule in an emergency and suspend customary civil rights democracy.

When the news of lifting the declaration broke out, protesters outside the National Assembly parliament shouted and clapped. “We won!”

This has led to calls for his impeachment or resignation. The main opposition Democratic Party called for Yoon, who has been in office since 2022, to resign or face impeachment.

Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down, senior DP member of parliament Park Chan-dae said in a statement.

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