Protests continued to sweep Seoul as South Koreans called for president Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation following his declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law in the country.
Protesters gathered at Gwanghwamun Square and outside the national assembly, holding placards with messages such as “Restore Democracy” and “Investigate his act of rebellion immediately”.
South Korean opposition parties filed a motion to impeach the president. “We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” representatives from six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, said. They indicated the vote could happen as soon as Friday.
New CCTV footage revealed chaotic scenes in South Korea’s parliament after the martial law declaration. Staffers used sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles from entering the national assembly, the footage showed.
Helicopters deployed armed troops to parliament, while others scaled fences and smashed windows after midnight, assembly secretary general Kim Min-ki said.
The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Mr Yoon’s own party.
Key Points
- Protests in Seoul as lawmakers call for president’s resignation
- CCTV footages reveals chaotic scenes inside South Korea’s parliament after Yoon’s declaration
- Calls for president’s impeachment grow
- South Korean president u-turns on martial law declaration
- Parliament votes to block declaration
CCTV footages reveals chaotic scenes inside South Korea’s parliament after Yoon’s declaration
08:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
New CCTV footage released today revealed the chaotic scenes in South Korea’s parliament after president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.
Staffers used sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles from entering the national assembly, the footage shows.
Helicopters brought heavily armed troops into the parliamentary compound, while other soldiers climbed fences and smashed windows to gain entry after midnight, described as an “unconstitutional and illegal” act by assembly secretary general Kim Min-ki.
“We will identify the physical damages and losses caused by the declaration of martial law and hold those responsible accountable through legal action.”
Opposition parties file motion to impeach president Yoon
08:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean opposition parties announced today that they have filed a motion to impeach president Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law.
“We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” representatives from six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, said during a live press briefing.
They indicated the vote could happen as soon as Friday, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, president Yoon’s office defended the martial law declaration, calling it “justified and within the bounds of the constitution” and denied that martial law forces interfered with lawmakers’ access to parliament.
Mr Yoon reversed the order hours later after parliament rejected his attempt to ban political activity and censor the media.
In Pictures: Protests in Seoul
08:15
Maroosha Muzaffar
ICYMI: US embassy in South Korea issues emergency alert
08:00
Maroosha Muzaffar
The US embassy in South Korea issued an emergency alert today, advising American citizens to exercise caution following the lifting of martial law in the country.
The embassy said that the situation remained “fluid” after South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was overturned by the National Assembly.
“Following President Yoon’s announcement to lift the martial law declaration, the situation remains fluid,” the embassy said on its website.
“US citizens should anticipate potential disruptions. When in public, you should pay attention to your surroundings and exercise routine safety precautions,” the posting said, Yonhap news agency reported.
The embassy also announced the cancellation of routine consular appointments and visa services for the day.
ICYMI: South Korean forces clash with crowds outside parliament after martial law declared
07:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
Videos show chaos outside the South Korean parliament building as military soldiers try to hold off crowds after President Yoon Sook Yeol declared martial law in the country.
The footage circulated on social media shows people believed to be South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party’s staff, trying to block soldiers at the National Assembly.
Earlier on Tuesday, the unpopular President Yoon declared martial law as he vowed to ‘eradicate pro-North Korean anti-state forces’ but the South Korean parliament quickly voted to overturn the declaration.
Mr Yoon’s poll ratings have fallen in recent months after he dismissed calls for independent probes into scandals involving his wife and top officials.
South Korean president calls off martial law following tense showdown with opposition
07:15
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has announced he will undo his dramatic declaration of martial law just hours after his military clashed with protesters outside parliament.
The short-lived decree, which opposition figures described as a coup, shocked South Korea as the president vowed to eliminate “anti-state” actors he accused of sympathising with communist North Korea.
After the edict late on Tuesday night, the military surrounded the National Assembly in Seoul and clashed with protesters outraged at the declaration.
Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that parliamentarians “will protect democracy with the people”. Even Mr Yoon’s own party called for the declaration to be undone.
But the military refused to back down as officials said they would wait for the president to respond to the vote, in accordance with the constitution.
Read more here:
How impeachments work in South Korea
06:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean lawmakers are planning to impeach president Yoon Suk Yeol, adding to the country’s history of presidential impeachments. This follows the martial law crisis that threw the entire nation into a tizzy yesterday.
The process of impeachment in South Korea requires a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly and approval from the constitutional court.
Previous impeachments in South Korea include Park Geun-hye, who was removed in 2016, and Roh Moo-hyun, who was reinstated in 2004.
CCTV footages reveals chaotic scenes inside South Korea’s parliament after Yoon’s declaration
06:48
Maroosha Muzaffar
New CCTV footage released today revealed the chaotic scenes in South Korea’s parliament after president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.
Staffers used sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles from entering the national assembly, the footage shows.
Helicopters brought heavily armed troops into the parliamentary compound, while other soldiers climbed fences and smashed windows to gain entry after midnight, described as an “unconstitutional and illegal” act by assembly secretary general Kim Min-ki.
“We will identify the physical damages and losses caused by the declaration of martial law and hold those responsible accountable through legal action.”
Opposition parties file motion to impeach president Yoon
06:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean opposition parties announced today that they have filed a motion to impeach president Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law.
“We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” representatives from six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, said during a live press briefing.
They indicated the vote could happen as soon as Friday, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, president Yoon’s office defended the martial law declaration, calling it “justified and within the bounds of the constitution” and denied that martial law forces interfered with lawmakers’ access to parliament.
Mr Yoon reversed the order hours later after parliament rejected his attempt to ban political activity and censor the media.
White House ‘relieved’ after lifting of martial law in South Korea
06:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
The United States expressed relief after South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol reversed his martial law declaration.
A White House official said that “democracy is at the foundation of the US-ROK alliance” and said that the US was “seriously concerned” before the reversal.
The spokesperson added: “We are relieved president Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly’s vote to end it”, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
The spokesperson said that they would continue to monitor the situation.
Protests intensify in Seoul as South Koreans demand president Yoon’s resignation
06:31
Maroosha Muzaffar
Protests intensify in Seoul as South Koreans demand president Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation following his declaration and subsequent reversal of martial law.
Demonstrators gathered at Gwanghwamun Square and outside the national assembly, holding placards reading “Restore Democracy” and “Investigate his act of rebellion immediately”.
Opposition lawmakers joined the rallies, escalating calls for Yoon’s resignation and impeachment, with opposition parties advancing a bill to suspend him.
Asian stocks drop amid South Korea’s political unrest as won hits two-year low
06:15
Maroosha Muzaffar
Asian markets retreated Wednesday after overnight political drama in South Korea added to regional uncertainties, though the Kospi in Seoul fell less than 2 per cent.
US futures rose while oil prices were little changed.
South Korea PresidentYoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law on Tuesday night local time, prompting troops to surround the parliament. He accused pro-North Korean forces of plotting to overthrow one of the world’s most vibrant democracies. The martial law was revoked about six hours later.
On Wednesday, South Korea’s main opposition party called for President Yoon to resign immediately or face impeachment.
Read more here:
Why did South Korea declare martial law and what is next for Yoon Suk Yeol?
05:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korea‘s president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise late-night television address, invoking the threat from North Korea and accusing the country’s opposition of paralysing the government by controlling parliament.
He did not cite any specific threats from Pyongyang and focused on his political opponents.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” Mr Yoon said.
South Korea’s parliament then voted through a motion calling the declaration invalid. This was the first time in over four decades that the country had been put under martial law.
Read the full story here:
Protests in Seoul as lawmakers call for president’s resignation
05:54
Maroosha Muzaffar
Amid growing calls for president Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation, a coalition of lawmakers has threatened impeachment if he does not step down, planning to vote on a bill within 72 hours.
“The parliament should focus on immediately suspending the president’s business to pass an impeachment bill soonest,” Hwang Un-ha, a member of the coalition said.
The leader of Mr Yoon’s ruling People Power Party has called for defence minister Kim Yong-hyun’s dismissal and the resignation of the entire cabinet.
Protests are expected, with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions planning a rally in Seoul and vowing to strike until Mr Yoon resigns.
Is it safe to travel to South Korea? Foreign Office update after martial law blocked
05:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
British nationals in South Korea have been advised to avoid political demonstrations following the president’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday. By early Wednesday, the president reversed the decision after a dramatic night in which troops surrounded parliament, and lawmakers voted to block military rule.
Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to eliminate ‘anti-state’ forces as he suspended parliament, banned political gatherings and ordered the end of a long-running doctors’ strike on Tuesday.
Following the declaration, the UK Foreign Office issued new travel advice warning British nationals to ‘follow the advice of local authorities’ and ‘avoid political demonstrations’.
Read more here:
US embassy in South Korea issues emergency alert
05:20
Maroosha Muzaffar
The US embassy in South Korea issued an emergency alert today, advising American citizens to exercise caution following the lifting of martial law in the country.
The embassy said that the situation remained “fluid” after South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was overturned by the National Assembly.
“Following President Yoon’s announcement to lift the martial law declaration, the situation remains fluid,” the embassy said on its website.
“US citizens should anticipate potential disruptions. When in public, you should pay attention to your surroundings and exercise routine safety precautions,” the posting said, Yonhap news agency reported.
The embassy also announced the cancellation of routine consular appointments and visa services for the day.
Former South Korean foreign minister reacts to martial law crisis
04:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
Former South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha praised the strength and resilience of the country’s democracy following the turbulent events of president Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration.
She told the BBC: I am hugely relieved that the dust appears to be settling”, adding that the quick responses from both citizens and politicians to oppose the order demonstrated the country’s democratic maturity.
Reflecting on the situation, Kang said: “My first reaction was - this can’t be happening to my country, a fractious democracy, but certainly a vibrant and an increasingly mature democracy.”
She described Yoon’s martial law decision as “an aberration” and emphasised that the events showed South Korea’s democracy is still “strong and resilient”.
White House ‘relieved’ after lifting of martial law in South Korea
04:35
Maroosha Muzaffar
The United States expressed relief after South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol reversed his martial law declaration.
A White House official said that “democracy is at the foundation of the US-ROK alliance” and said that the US was “seriously concerned” before the reversal.
The spokesperson added: “We are relieved president Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly’s vote to end it”, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
The spokesperson said that they would continue to monitor the situation.
South Korean stocks drop nearly 2% amid martial law crisis
04:12
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean stocks fell nearly 2 per cent this morning following political upheaval sparked by president Yoon Suk-yeol's brief declaration of martial law, later overturned by parliament.
The KOSPI index dropped to 2,451.63, with foreign investors selling heavily, offsetting local purchases, The Korea Times reported.
Major companies, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor, saw declines, while a few, like Korea Zinc, posted gains amid ongoing corporate battles.
The Korean won also weakened against the US dollar, reflecting market volatility amidst the turmoil.
How impeachments work in South Korea
03:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
South Korean lawmakers are planning to impeach president Yoon Suk-yeol, adding to the country’s history of presidential impeachments. This follows the martial law crisis that threw the entire nation into a tizzy yesterday.
The process of impeachment in South Korea requires a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly and approval from the constitutional court.
Previous impeachments in South Korea include Park Geun-hye, who was removed in 2016, and Roh Moo-hyun, who was reinstated in 2004.
Swedish PM postpones South Korea visit following martial law crisis
03:30
Maroosha Muzaffar
Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson has postponed his planned visit to South Korea this week, his spokesperson confirmed this morning.
Kristersson was set to meet South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol for a summit, but the trip was deferred after Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday, only to revoke it following parliamentary opposition.
“Given the recent developments, we have decided to postpone the visit,” the spokesperson said.
“We have been in contact with South Korea this morning and will work together to reschedule for a future date.”
Jubilant celebrations after president Yoon reverses martial law
03:19
Maroosha Muzaffar
President Yoon Suk-yeol’s abrupt reversal of martial law in South Korea triggered jubilant celebrations among thousands of protesters who had braved the freezing night outside parliament.
As the announcement was made in the early hours, crowds erupted with cheers, chanting "We won!" and clapping in victory, according to BBC.
Many had gathered in defiance of the military presence, maintaining a tense vigil through the night.
Calls for president’s impeachment grow
03:10
Maroosha Muzaffar
Lawmakers in South Korea are calling for president Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, and opposition parties are pushing a bill to suspend him.
The martial law order, aimed at countering alleged threats from North Korea and “anti-state forces”, was rejected by parliament, leading to chaotic scenes with troops storming the National Assembly.
Protests erupted nationwide, with unions vowing strikes until Yoon stepped down. Financial markets reacted sharply, prompting emergency government interventions to stabilise stocks, bonds, and the currency. The situation remains volatile, with more demonstrations expected, according to Reuters.
Senior aides to president Yoon resign
02:55
Maroosha Muzaffar
Senior aides to president Yoon Suk-yeol, including his chief of staff and senior secretaries, resigned this morning.
This followed Mr Yoon’s decision to lift the martial law order he issued late Tuesday night after facing pressure from lawmakers.
President Yoon’s advisers resign
02:11
Graig Graziosi
South Korean news agency Yonhap is reporting that members of President Yoon Suk Yeoi's administration, including his chief of staff, have issued collective resignations. His national security adviser, and his chief of staff for policy have also resigned.
On Tuesday, Yoon enacted martial law, kicking off a broad and swift rebuke both from South Koreans and the broader international community. Yoon eventually backed off his decision, but that did not stop both the opposition Democrats and the nation's largest trade union federation from calling for his resignation.
Protesters gather in central Seoul to protest President Yoon
01:08
Graig Graziosi
Protesters have gathered just outside Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul to protest President Yoon Suk Yeoi's decision to declare martial law on Tuesday.
Yoon walked back the move late on Tuesday, but not before political and labor leaders called for his resignation.
The protest is primed to disrupt commuters in the city's center during rush hour.
Police with riot shields have descended on the city center in response to the growing protester presence.
South Korean labor leaders plan to strike until President Yoon resigns
00:26
Graig Graziosi
The largest trade confederation in South Korea has vowed to strike until President Yoon Suk Yeoi resigns.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions said it will "fight alongside the people" by striking until Yoon resigns.
"KCTU members will stop working according to the strike guidelines," and will call for Yoon's resignation for his "treason."
In addition to striking, the confederation said it will "conduct nationwide emergency actions for social reform," according to South Korean media.
The trade union confederation represents 12 million South Korean laborers.
Leaders of the laborers are planning to rally Wednesday morning in Gwanghwamun Square.
Police set up barricade near government after martial law incident
Tuesday 3 December 2024 23:58
Tom Watling
South Korea opposition party calls for President Yoon’s resignation, says it will pursue impeachment if he does not step down
Tuesday 3 December 2024 23:55
Graig Graziosi
South Korea's opposition party said it planned to begin impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol this morning if he does not step down immediately.
The move comes on the heels of Yoon's decision to enact martial law on Tuesday. The nation's Democratic Party called his actions an act of rebellion that warrants impeachment.
"We will not sit idly by and watch President Yoon's crime of destroying the Constitution and trampling on democracy," the party said in a statement. "President Yoon should immediately resign voluntarily."
US urges citizens in South Korea to avoid areas where protests taking place
Tuesday 3 December 2024 23:31
Tom Watling
US citizens in South Korea should avoid areas where protests are taking place, the Embassy in Seoul said in a statement, after South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then reversed course.
White House relieved Sout Korea president has backed down on martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 23:00
Tom Watling
The White House said on Tuesday it was relieved that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had reversed course over a martial law declaration in the country.
“Democracy is at the foundation of the US-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation,” a spokesperson said, referring to South Korea by the initials of its official name, the Republic of Korea.
Top South Korean politician demands president explain decision to declare martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 22:31
Tom Watling
The leader of South Korea’s governing party has called on president Yoon Suk Yeol to explain his decision to declare martial law.
People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said in a statement: “As the ruling party, we feel deeply sorry to the public.”
He added: “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation. The minister of defense, who recommended this martial law, should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”
South Korean President Yoon says he will lift martial law following parliament vote
Tuesday 3 December 2024 22:01
Tom Watling
South Korean politicians watch President Yoon undo martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 21:31
Tom Watling
South Koreans cheer in Seoul after president says he will lift martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 21:00
Tom Watling
US, South Korean militaries in contact after martial law declaration and walkback, Pentagon says
Tuesday 3 December 2024 20:30
Tom Watling
The US and South Korean militaries are “in contact” after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, adding there was no request for assistance from Seoul amid the unfolding events.
The two military outfits connected prior to the South Korean president announcing he would reverse his decree later on Wednesday morning.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told a news briefing he also did not believe the martial law declaration had any significant impact so far on the roughly 28,500 US troops deployed to South Korea.
South Korean president u-turns on martial law declaration
Tuesday 3 December 2024 20:14
Tom Watling
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced that he will soon lift the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule.
Yoon said his government had withdrawn the military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as "soon as members arrive."
Watch live: Protesters storm South Korea’s National Assembly after president declares emergency martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 20:01
Tom Watling
South Korea's lawmakers pass resolution against martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 19:45
Tom Watling
Protesters call for South Korean president to step down
Tuesday 3 December 2024 19:32
Tom Watling
Opposition call for end of martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 19:16
Tom Watling
South Korea's ruling party urges president to lift martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 19:01
Tom Watling
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own ruling party has urged him to swiftly lift martial law following a parliamentary vote against the decree, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
South Korea military says it will uphold martial law
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:44
Tom Watling
The South Korean military has said it will uphold the decree of martial law so long as the president Yoon Suk Yeol maintains it.
The comments came after parliament, dominated by the opposition, voted to end martial law.
Live: State Department briefing with Matthew Miller
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:33
Tom Watling
South Korean forces clash with crowds outside parliament after martial law declared
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:31
Tom Watling
US embassy in Seoul ‘closely tracking’ situation
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:15
Tom Watling
The U.S. Embassy and Department of State are closely tracking President Yoon's recent declaration of martial law. The situation is fluid. Please monitor local news sources for updates as the situation progresses and sign up here to receive direct updates from the Department of…
— Ambassador Philip Goldberg (@USAmbROK) December 3, 2024
Why has South Korea declared martial law and what is it?
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:02
Tom Watling
Biden being briefed on situation in South Korea
Tuesday 3 December 2024 17:46
Tom Watling
US president Joe Biden has said that he is “just getting briefed” on the situation in South Korea.
He gave the comments after giving a speech in Luanda, Angola.
Earlier, a senior US official said they were watching the situation in South Korea with “grave concern”.