South Korean opposition leader thought martial law announcement was ‘a deepfake'
Martial Law Crisis in South Korea #
President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea announced martial law during an extraordinary late-night address, only to see it quickly nullified by lawmakers who overwhelmed the military presence at parliament. The martial law decree lasted mere hours. Initially dismissed as a deepfake by opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, the declaration sent shockwaves through the country, which has a tumultuous history with authoritarian rule.
As soon as the announcement aired, Lee urged his Democratic Party colleagues to convene at the National Assembly. Upon arriving at the parliament, Lee found troops blocking entrances, helicopters circling above. In a dramatic video, Lee climbed a fence to gain entry, streaming live to millions. Eventually, 180 lawmakers—opposition and some from Yoon’s own party—entered parliament, successfully voting down the decree.
In the aftermath, President Yoon faced mounting pressure with calls for his impeachment and signs of dissent within his party. National police initiated an investigation into possible treason by Yoon and top officials. The Democratic Party introduced impeachment measures in parliament, seeking a two-thirds majority to advance the process to the courts. Meanwhile, Yoon’s People Power Party opposed impeachment but faced internal turmoil.
Significant resignations followed, including the defense minister, criticized for aiding the imposition of martial law. The vice defense minister conceded ignorance about the decree, apologizing for the troop deployment without live ammunition. The head of martial law command also claimed no involvement in drafting or executing the martial law order.
Amidst the tension, opposition members took refuge in the National Assembly, fearing another abrupt imposition of martial law. Lawmakers stayed overnight, wary of further actions by the president. The political future of Yoon, his party, and South Korea’s democratic fabric remains uncertain after this crisis, marked by legal and political challenges for both Yoon and Lee, former presidential election rivals.