Citing political attacks by the opposition, President Yoon said Tuesday night that he was declaring martial law to “crush anti-government forces wreaking havoc.”
This put the military in temporary charge – prompting the deployment of troops and police to parliament, where helicopters were seen landing on the roof of the National Assembly.
The military also issued a statement saying that all meetings of parliament and political organizations would be banned, while media publications would also come under military control.
But South Korea’s political opposition immediately called Yun’s declaration illegal and unconstitutional. The leader of Yun’s own party, the conservative People’s Power Party, also called his action a “wrong move.”
Meanwhile, main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called on Democratic Party lawmakers to gather with parliament to vote to reject the declaration.
He also called on ordinary South Koreans to show up in parliament in protest.
“The country will be ruled by tanks, armored personnel carriers and soldiers with guns and knives… Fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”
Hundreds heeded the call, hurrying to gather near the guarded parliament. Crowds of protesters chanted: “No to martial law!
Local media broadcasting from the scene showed clashes between protesters and police at the gate. But despite the heavy military presence, tensions have not escalated into violence.
And the deputies were also able to bypass the barricades to go to the voting booths.
Shortly after 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday, South Korea’s parliament, with 190 of its 300 members present, voted against the measure. President Yun’s declaration of martial law was invalidated.
