South Korean President Yoon has declared martial law. In a hastily-called session of the National Assembly all 190 members who were present voted to revoke Yoon’s declaration. Lawmakers vowed to remain in the assembly building until the declaration was lifted, which the president must do under Korean law if a majority votes in favor.
The Korea Times has extensive coverage, including the public’s reaction to the declaration.
At an emergency Thursday night press briefing Yoon announced the declaration as necessary “to shield the Republic of Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eradicate the shameless pro-North, anti-state factions that are undermining our people’s freedom and happiness.”
How does the military respond to this face-off between the president and the National Assembly? Will the police obey any orders to arrest violators?
During a quick check of the internet I did not come across any reaction from North Korea yet, but DPRK state media did report on a November 30 demonstration in Seoul against “the puppet Yoon” who has “created a war and security crisis with the backing of the U.S.” Yoon “has been impatient to intervene in the Ukrainian war,” said North Korean state media. The North has sent troops to aid Russia in the war. The DPRK also accused Yoon of corruption.