On Tuesday, South Korea’s President briefly allowed the military to take control of the country for the first time since 1980, under something called martial law.
It only lasted a few hours before it was reversed by law-makers, following mass protests in the capital, Seoul.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s happening in South Korea.
Martial law
In 1987, South Korea became a democracy, following decades of military rule. Article 77 of its Constitution allows the President to declare martial law. This allows the military to take control of the country.
In South Korea, it means civil rights like freedom of speech and assembly are taken away.
Article 77 states the power can only be used in “time of war, armed conflict, or similar national emergency”.
Political context
South Korea has a democratically-elected President and Parliament that is responsible for lawmaking. The two are separate, but presidential powers are overseen by lawmakers.
Current President Yoon Suk Yeol, from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), was elected in 2022.
Despite Yoon’s election, the opposing Democratic Party of Korea (DP) holds a parliamentary majority, making it difficult for the PPP to enact policy.
What happened?
Late on Tuesday, President Yoon gave a televised address declaring martial law.
In his address, President Yoon mentioned the “the threat of North Korean communist forces” as part of the reason for his declaration. He did not go into more specifics about North Korea.
President Yoon also cited the Opposition, who he called “anti-state forces”, as the reason for proclaiming the military rule.
Yoon’s popularity has sunk, with 71% of people holding a negative view of him, according to polling by the national newspaper: The Korea Times.
In his address on Tuesday night, President Yoon accused the Opposition of “trying to overthrow the free democracy” and plotting an “insurgency” against him.
These comments come after a string of arguments between the President and the Opposition. For example, there have been 22 impeachment (removal from office) motions against his administration since 2022.
Most recently, there has been a dispute about the country’s budget. The Opposition (the DP) recently made significant cuts to Yoon’s budget.
As it has a majority in Parliament, the DP can pass its changes through Parliament and President Yoon does not have the power to overrule it.
Following the declaration of martial law, protesters gathered outside the Parliament building in Seoul (which was encouraged by DP leader Lee Jae-myung).
Parliament
Members of Parliament soon convened to vote against the measure. No MP (including from the President’s own party) voted to support the declaration.
Han Dong-hoon, who leads the Yoon’s party the PPP, called the move “wrong”. Han shook hands with DP leader Lee after the vote passed.
Roughly six hours after declaring martial law, President Yoon agreed to lift the declaration.
The DP is now leading calls for President Yoon to step down. His term is due to end in 2027.
