Six-Hour Crisis: South Korea Declares Martial Law but quickly reversed

South Korea faced a night of intense political drama as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, a move that stunned the nation and drew immediate backlash. The declaration, which lasted only six hours, was imposed to combat what Yoon described as “anti-state” forces undermining the country. Frustrated by an opposition-controlled parliament that had attempted to impeach several key officials, Yoon sought to use military authority to restore what he called constitutional order.

The decision sparked a wave of resistance from all corners. Protesters flooded the streets near the National Assembly, waving banners and blocking military vehicles. Scuffles broke out as troops tried to secure the parliament building, while helicopters circled above, evoking memories of South Korea's authoritarian past. Lawmakers, led by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, moved swiftly to invalidate the martial law declaration, voting unanimously to overturn it. Woo called on military personnel to stand down and praised their eventual withdrawal, saying it demonstrated the maturity of South Korea’s armed forces despite the fraught situation.

President Yoon’s declaration shocked both his critics and allies. Members of his conservative People Power Party joined the liberal Democratic Party in denouncing the move as unconstitutional. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition, accused Yoon of attempting to undermine democracy and vowed to remain in the Assembly until martial law was lifted. Even as Yoon announced the end of martial law during a Cabinet meeting early Wednesday, he continued to criticize parliament for paralyzing state functions and pursuing what he called "unscrupulous" actions.

Internationally, the martial law declaration raised alarm. The United States, a key ally, expressed deep concern over the developments. U.S. officials confirmed that they were not notified in advance and emphasized their commitment to South Korea’s democratic stability. The Pentagon reported no disruption to the operations of the 27,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.

Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can be declared only in cases of war, insurrection, or comparable national emergencies. Critics questioned whether the country was truly in such a state. The swift political and public rejection of Yoon’s actions underscored the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions, forged through decades of struggle against authoritarian rule.

The night’s events highlighted a deeply polarized political climate. Yoon, whose approval ratings have plummeted, has struggled to govern effectively against a powerful opposition. His actions, described by some analysts as a desperate gamble, now place him at serious risk of impeachment. South Korea’s citizens, however, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to democracy, standing firm in defense of freedoms hard-won over the past decades.