CIVICUS discusses reactions to the unconstitutional declaration of martial law in South Korea with Soo Suh, Senior Program Manager at the Asia Democracy Network.
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a late-night televised address on 3 December, baselessly claiming that ‘pro-North Korean anti-state forces’ were threatening the constitutional order and accusing opposition parties of taking the parliamentary process hostage. Yoon ordered the arrest of key political figures, including the head of his party. People immediately took to the streets to demand Yoon’s resignation, and the National Assembly quickly overturned the declaration and scheduled a vote to impeach him for abuse of power. While the motion failed as members of the ruling party boycotted the vote, Yoon remains under investigation and could face insurrection charges.