South Korean parliament votes to end president’s martial law declaration
Clashes with police erupt as South Korean lawmakers and citizens are denied entry to parliament building following declaration of martial law in Korea on December 3, 2024. (AA Photo)
The South Korean parliament voted Tuesday evening to demand President Yoon Suk Yeol lift the emergency martial law he declared, according to Yonhap news agency.
Under the country’s constitution, martial law must be revoked if a parliamentary majority calls for its removal. Of the 300 members of parliament, 190 were present, and all voted in favor of the motion to end the state of emergency.
The passage of the motion immediately voids Yoon’s martial law declaration, the parliamentary speaker’s office said.
Yoon imposed martial law in a late-night television address, claiming it was necessary to “protect the country from North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements.”
US expresses ‘grave concern’ over martial law declaration
Meanwhile, U.S. expressed “grave concern” over South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday and wants a resolution that follows “rule of law,” Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said.
“We are watching the recent developments in the ROK with grave concern,” Campbell said, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
“We have every hope and expectation that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.
Yoon has been a close ally of the U.S., with U.S. President Joe Biden welcoming him on a state visit last year and South Korea in March hosting a global democracy summit, a signature idea of the outgoing U.S. administration.
Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol announces lifting of martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the withdrawal of martial law troops and the lifting of martial law.
