Andorra la VellaThe South Korean Parliament repealed this Monday the martial law proclaimed by the president Yoon Suk-yeolafter an extraordinary plenary session where the measure was rejected with 190 votes in favor. According to the South Korean Constitution, this decision obliges the president to withdraw the state of emergency.
What does martial law entail?
According to Article 77.1 of the country’s regulatory framework, martial law allows the mobilization of military forces in times of war, armed conflict or other similar national emergencies. During this period, all parliamentary and political activity is paralyzed, both inside and outside the National Assembly. Civil rights are also restricted: the media are subject to strict government surveillance, and all political activities are banned.
A key political outcome
President Yoon’s proclamation of martial law had caused great controversy, especially because of the extent of its implications in public and political life. Opposition forces, which have a majority in Parliament, pressed for it to be annulled, claiming that the circumstances did not justify such a drastic measure.
With this vote, Parliament has exercised its constitutional right to limit executive power in a situation that many analysts consider critical for South Korean democracy. The immediate future will focus on how President Yoon will handle this political defeat and whether there will be repercussions for his administration.