South Korean President backs down from martial law order

Seoul, South Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea said he would lift the emergency declaration of martial law he imposed late Tuesday as soon as he could convene his Cabinet, bowing to pressure after the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding it end. By law, Yoon needs to convene his Cabinet to lift martial law.

The announcement by Yoon early Wednesday in South Korea came about 5 1/2 hours after he declared martial law in an unscheduled televised address, setting off largely peaceful demonstrations in Seoul. Within hours of his declaration, the National Assembly voted to rescind martial law in a swift rebuke of the president’s response to the political deadlock that has hobbled his tenure.

Yoon, who is deeply unpopular, accused the opposition of plotting an “insurgency” and “trying to overthrow the free democracy.” Early Wednesday he characterized his decision as an act “of national resolve against the anti-state forces that are trying to paralyze the essential functions of the state and disrupt the constitutional order of our liberal democracy.”

It was the first time a South Korean president had declared martial law since military dictatorship ended in the country in the late 1980s.

Here’s what else to know:

— Demonstrations in Seoul: Thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting “End martial law!” In images broadcast by local networks, some appeared to be trying to enter the building as police officers tried to block them. As dawn approached, the protests swelled and spilled into the adjacent streets. Thousands of people filled a section of an eight-lane road to call for the president to be arrested.

— Political paralysis: Elected after a close race in 2022, Yoon has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly. In a nationally televised speech Tuesday night, he denounced the opposition for repeatedly using its majority to impeach members of his Cabinet and block his government’s budget plans. This has “paralyzed the administration,” Yoon said. “The National Assembly, which should have been the foundation of free democracy, has become a monster that destroys it.”

— The opposition: Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, rejected Yoon’s claims. “There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country,” Lee said. “President Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people.” He called Yoon’s declaration of martial law “illegal.”

— Effects of martial law: Army Gen. Park An-su, who was appointed martial law commander, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies, and labor activities. Park said in a decree that “all news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” warning that those who spread “fake news” could be arrested without a court warrant. It was unclear what action the government had taken.

— From his own side: Yoon’s move was criticized by the leader of his own political party. Han Dong-hoon, the head of the People Power Party, said on Facebook that the president’s “martial law declaration is wrong” and that he would “work with the citizens to stop it.”