In South Korea, thousands of demonstrators are urging the resignation of the president following orders related to martial law
In a significant demonstration of dissent, thousands of protesters convened in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, calling for the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. This protest follows the President's controversial declaration of martial law across the nation.
Protesters voiced strong opposition on Wednesday to the decision made by South Korea’s leader, demanding his resignation. Participants in the demonstration displayed signs with slogans such as “No to war and martial law, overthrow dictator Yoon Suk Yeol.”
A protest rally occurred amid efforts by opposition lawmakers in South Korea, who have introduced a motion to impeach President Yoon following his attempt to implement martial law.
Owen Miller, a Korea specialist affiliated with the School of Oriental and African Studies, expressed a strong likelihood that Yoon could face impeachment proceedings.
“Given the surprising nature of the situation and the extent to which the current president has taken risks, I find it difficult to envision him remaining in office,” he stated.
In a dramatic move on Tuesday evening, Yoon announced the imposition of nationwide martial law, aimed at suppressing what he referred to as “despicable pro-North Korean” political adversaries, sending the nation into significant upheaval.
In an unexpected development, the imposition of martial law has sent ripples across the nation, marking the first such occurrence since 1980.
The President of South Korea asserted that the imposition of martial law was a necessary measure to protect the nation’s democratic principles and constitutional integrity. He accused opposition parties of compromising the parliamentary process and pushing the country towards a state of crisis.
In response to President Yoon’s announcement on Tuesday evening, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, urged the public to gather at the National Assembly. The call to action came as security and military forces had cordoned off access to the parliamentary premises.
Over 280 military personnel, supported by 24 helicopters, descended upon parliament to secure the location following an announcement. Despite this show of force, members of parliament resisted the troops’ presence, successfully entering the building and casting a unanimous vote in opposition to the directive.
In a statement issued at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time (1930 GMT), Yoon announced a reversal of his earlier decision, indicating that the deployed troops assigned to execute the directive would be withdrawn.
The imposition of martial law was announced following the Democratic Party’s rejection of the annual state budget bill, which was put forward by President Yoon’s administration. The party notably reduced the 2025 budget proposal by over 4 trillion won.
This week, the political party introduced a motion seeking the impeachment of several of the nation’s leading prosecutors.
In the midst of ongoing protests surrounding the parliament in Seoul and a persistently volatile situation, multiple countries have issued travel advisories.
The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Ukraine have issued advisories urging their citizens to heed local authorities’ guidance and steer clear of areas where protests are occurring.
