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Amidst cheers and jubilation from crowds of protesters outside South Korea’s parliament, President Yoon Suk Yeol made a dramatic late-night announcement on national TV, imposing martial law to safeguard against perceived threats from North Korea and eliminate anti-state elements.
The unexpected order led to turmoil in Seoul, prompting thousands of protesters to gather at the National Assembly, with some lawmakers even scaling the parliament’s walls to convene and vote against the decision.
Despite opposition efforts, the military rule remained in place until President Yoon Suk Yeol’s sudden reversal in the early hours, where he announced the lifting of martial law and the withdrawal of troops.
In a televised address around 4:30 am, President Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledged the National Assembly’s call to lift the state of emergency and confirmed the withdrawal of deployed military forces.
He expressed willingness to comply with the Assembly’s request and indicated that martial law would be lifted through a Cabinet meeting.
The announcement sparked joy among the crowds who had endured freezing temperatures to stand vigil, with chants of victory filling the air as the news spread.
The imposition of martial law in South Korea, a rare occurrence since the country’s transition to democracy in 1987, comes at a time when President Yoon’s government faces internal and external challenges.
Following a landslide victory by the opposition in the general election, Yoon has been embroiled in corruption scandals, further weakening his administration.
The opposition’s moves to curtail government budgets and impeach key officials have added to the political tensions. President Yoon initially attributed his decision to external threats from North Korea but later shifted blame to the opposition for obstructing his government’s agenda.
Global response and diplomatic reactions
The reverberations of President Yoon’s martial law declaration were felt beyond South Korea, prompting reactions from international allies.
The US State Department reaffirmed its unwavering alliance with South Korea while expressing grave concern over the situation. Similarly, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson stated that the UK government was closely monitoring developments in South Korea.
The diplomatic community continues to observe the evolving situation with vigilance as President Yoon navigates the political challenges within and outside the country.
Moreover, the aftermath of the martial law episode has brought into focus the delicate balancing act between national security imperatives and upholding individual liberties in democratic societies.
The incident has reignited discussions on the role of the government in times of crisis and the expectations of citizens regarding transparency and accountability.
As South Korea strives to rebuild cohesion and confidence post-martial law, there are lingering uncertainties about the enduring impact on the nation’s political landscape and global relationships.
Observers worldwide are closely monitoring the resilience of democratic principles and the leadership’s capacity to address adversities with adaptability and ethical leadership.
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