South Korea in turmoil: President's allies resign after repeal

Late Tuesday evening Eastern Time, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the imposition of martial law to protect the country from "threats from North Korean communist forces." However, it seems that the move was aimed more at suppressing internal opposition than addressing a military threat from Pyongyang.

Legislators, mainly from the opposition, headed to the National Assembly to vote against the president's decision. Although the military tried to block their entry, some lawmakers climbed over fences, achieving a quorum. In the end, 190 members voted to repeal martial law. Interestingly, Yoon faced opposition from several lawmakers within his own party.

According to Korean media, after martial law was rejected by parliament, close associates of the president resigned from their positions. This includes the director of the National Security Office, the head of the political office, the chief secretary, and several other high-ranking members of the presidential administration.

While there were rumors that the government might resign, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized in his message to the nation that the cabinet would "continue fulfilling their duties diligently."

For now, it is unclear what will happen with President Yoon himself. His own party is angry with him, and the opposition is demanding impeachment and accountability.

The process by which Yoon implemented martial law is being clarified. Media reports indicate that a significant number of ministers were not aware of the plans in advance. "Chosun Ilbo" reports that, for example, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min was not included in Yoon's strategy. For most of the day, he followed his schedule. However, he had to suddenly leave one meeting and head to Seoul for a meeting with the president.

An official from the ministry emphasized that Minister Lee did not suggest imposing martial law and there is no confirmation that he agreed to it.

The opposition demands Lee's resignation. "Chosun Ilbo" points out that the suggestion to impose martial law could have come from the heads of the interior ministry or defense ministry.

At the same time, analysts note that Lee's ministry ordered local governments to close offices on December 3rd, when President Yoon announced martial law. The ministry maintains that this was standard procedure in emergency situations.