South Korea's president relents, lifts martial law under pressure
The president of South Korea has submitted to the will of the National Assembly. "In light of the parliament's decision, I will lift the martial law," he declared.
5:46 PM EST, December 3, 2024
About six hours after the South Korean president announced the imposition of martial law, Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the nation again.
"Respected citizens, last night I made decisive efforts to safeguard the country against anti-state forces attempting to paralyze the state’s core functions and disrupt the liberal democratic constitutional order. Therefore, we imposed martial law," Yoon Suk Yeol stated. "However, the National Assembly has demanded the lifting of martial law, so the military has been withdrawn," he added.
Yoon declared that in accordance with the will of the parliament, he "will immediately convene a government meeting to accept the National Assembly's request and lift the martial law."
President has surrendered, however
He added that since it is early morning (it was 3:20 PM Eastern Time during his speech in Seoul), he doubts he can assemble the entire cabinet immediately. "I will lift the martial law as soon as a quorum is achieved," he assured.
The people gathered in front of the parliament, having come in the evening to protest the president's decision, began singing with joy at the news of the lifting of martial law.
After the National Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the president to lift the martial law, there were concerns that Yoon might disregard the decision of the parliament. Earlier, just after the announcement of martial law, the Chief of the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces, Park An Su, declared a "ban on parliamentary activity, political parties, and any political activity."
Source: PAP, chosun.com
