In brief
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol swiftly declared martial law only to retract it hours later in the face of public outcry and parliamentary resistance.
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea stirred major unrest by declaring martial law late Tuesday night, but reversed his decision within hours due to massive protests and a strong response from lawmakers. Protesters thronged the streets of Seoul, demanding an end to military rule, which echoed South Korea's turbulent past of political violence and dictatorship. Yoon's controversial announcement, made at 10:30 p.m., raised significant concerns about the leader’s ability to govern a developed democracy effectively. However, amidst mounting pressure, the National Assembly swiftly passed a resolution to end the martial law, prompting the president to retract his declaration just five and a half hours later during a Cabinet meeting early Wednesday morning. This whirlwind sequence has left the political landscape uncertain, with opposition calling for Yoon's impeachment as he faces considerable backlash over his hasty measures.
