Martial Law Archives

South Korea’s opposition parties move to impeach president over sudden declaration of martial law

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition parties moved to impeach the president over the shocking and short-lived declaration of martial law that drew heavily armed troops to encircle parliament. Lawmakers climbed walls early Wednesday to reenter the building and unanimously voted to lift his order. Impeaching Yoon Suk Yeol would require the support of two-thirds of parliament, and at least six justices of the nine-member Constitutional Court would have to endorse it to remove him. The motion to impeach was submitted jointly by the main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties. It could be put to a vote as early as Friday.… Continue Reading

South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government has lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Yoon said early Wednesday that his government withdrew military personnel following a bipartisan parliamentary vote rejecting martial law, and the measure was formally lifted during a Cabinet meeting around 4:30 a.m. Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration.… Continue Reading