Chairman of the pro-presidential South Korean party “People’s Power” Han Dong- hun called the use of police and army in the country’s capital illegal.
The politician also confirmed that members of parliament voted to lift the martial law imposed by President Yun Seok-yol. According to him, the corresponding decree of the head of state has already expired.
According to the Business Korea blog, President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law at the Yongsan Presidential Office, citing the need to eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the free constitutional order. In an emergency statement released on Dec. 3, Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in actions that paralyze the judiciary and executive branches, labeling these actions as “conspiracy for rebellion” and “clear anti-state acts.
According to The Diplomat, “I declare martial law to eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the free constitutional order,†Yoon said in a televised announcement from the Presidential Office in Seoul.
On December 3, the South Korean leader declared martial law in South Korea, explaining his decision by the need to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the free constitutional order.” At the same time, journalists expressed confidence that Yun Seok-yol’s decision was connected with attempts to conduct impeachment proceedings against him.
Against this backdrop, the leadership of the opposition Toburo Democratic Party called on its members to gather in parliament and discuss lifting martial law. By that time, the building of the legislative body had already been cordoned off by police, so the politicians had to climb over the fence.
Later, Speaker of the House U Won-sik announced that members of parliament supported the resolution to lift martial law in the country. 190 out of 300 members of parliament took part in the vote, with all politicians present voting in favor.