Written by Afifah Adi
Edited by Aleeya Balqis
Crowds during a rally calling for the resignation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol | Source: Reuters
SEOUL, 6th December 2024: On last Tuesday, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a sudden martial law nationwide that shocked citizens of Korea and the global world. Martial law involves the temporary substitution of military authority for civilian rule. The decision was made by President Yoon on the basis that the nation’s opposition is paralyzing the government with “anti-state activities plotting rebellion.”
Yonhap news agency quoted President Yoon’s statement on TV saying that the martial law was “aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and protecting the constitutional order of freedom.” It was further said that the decision was aimed at “rebuilding and safeguarding” the country.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol | Source: Reuters
President Yoon’s imposition of martial law was immediately met with protests by lawmakers and citizens who rallied outside to express their outrage over the decision. More than 280 troops were deployed to deter protestors from getting into the parliament where President Yoon was. The call for the president to resign resounded in front of the parliament and some lawmakers found ways to slip inside the building so they could vote to overturn the martial law.
Protestors gathered outside the National Assembly | Source: CNN
On Wednesday, the martial law was lifted following the majority's parliamentary vote, six hours after the declaration. President Yoon was urged to resign by South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) or he would face impeachment. A recent update stated that the president has yet to respond publicly.
The Democratic Party asserted that “President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution,” as it did not meet any requirements for Yoon to do so.
Following the lifting of martial law, foreign ministry advised Malaysians who are currently staying in South Korea to be cautious and stay updated by adhering to the local authorities’ instructions.
“To ensure timely updates and assistance, Malaysians in South Korea are advised to register their presence through E-Konsular,” said the foreign ministry.—TBC
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