South Korean martial law decree ‘invalid’, says National Assembly chairman, as troops begin to withdraw – live updates
South Korean lawmakers vote to block martial law declared by president
Live Reporting
In just a few hours, South Korea — known for decades as a vibrant democracy after transitioning from postwar authoritarian rule — has been thrown into political chaos.
After President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law for the first time since 1980, lawmakers assembled and unanimously voted to block the move.
Some context: Under the country’s constitution, the president has the power to declare extraordinary martial law, which allows special measures influencing freedoms of speech, press, assembly and association.
The president must then notify the National Assembly of his decision — but if a majority of lawmakers vote to lift martial law, “the president shall comply,” according to the constitution.
The president’s cabinet must then “deliberate” and review the decision to lift martial law, according to the constitution.
It’s not clear whether Yoon will comply with the lawmakers’ vote as required by law, or what the cabinet will say.
Even the leader of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, called on the president to lift the decree, according to news agency Yonhap.
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