South Korean parliament reverses President Yoon’s martial law declaration

SUMMARY

South Korea's parliament has overturned President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. Yoon announced the measure in a televised speech, accusing opposition parties of undermining the constitutional order and aligning with "pro-North Korean anti-state forces." The martial law was seen as an attempt to address political deadlock, particularly over the 2025 national budget, and was framed as necessary to protect the nation's stability. However, critics argued that the move was politically motivated, aimed at silencing Yoon's domestic opponents rather than addressing any immediate security threat. The parliament unanimously voted to reverse the decree, with lawmakers stating the importance of preserving democracy. This moment in South Korea’s democratic history echoes the country’s earlier authoritarian periods when martial law had been imposed, most recently in 1980 during pro-democracy protests. Following the vote, military forces stationed at the National Assembly withdrew.