{"id":2207399,"date":"2024-12-05T18:11:54","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T09:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2207399"},"modified":"2024-12-12T12:38:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T03:38:02","slug":"timeline-the-swift-rise-and-fall-of-martial-law-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/timeline-the-swift-rise-and-fall-of-martial-law-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Timeline: The swift rise and fall of martial law in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared nationwide emergency martial law in a late-night livestreamed address on Tuesday at around 10:25 p.m., citing threats from \u201canti-state forces\u201d attempting to subvert the government. He also accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of \u201cparalyzing\u201d governance, pointing to its push to cut the 2025 budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

Around an hour later, Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, whom Yoon appointed as the martial law commander, announced that Martial Law Decree No. 1 had taken effect as of 11 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n

The decree banned \u201call political activities,\u201d including National Assembly meetings, imposed control over the press, outlawed mass protests and strikes and allowed arrests without warrants. It included harsh language, such as promising to “punish and dispose of (\ucc98\ub2e8)” violators. This wording is different from the legal term for punishment, \ucc98\ubc8c, and is reminiscent of authoritarian decrees last used in South Korea over four decades ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

The declaration sparked immediate backlash. Crowds gathered at the National Assembly, demanding Yoon rescind the measure and resign. Despite police blockades and the arrival of airborne troops in an apparent attempt to prevent lawmakers from voting, 190 legislators convened and unanimously passed a resolution urging the repeal of martial law.<\/span><\/p>\n

By 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, Yoon agreed to lift the declaration, but political turmoil continued. All 191 opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion later in the day and referred Yoon to the Seoul Central Prosecutors\u2019 Office on charges of insurgency.<\/span><\/p>\n

High-ranking officials, including the chief of staff and cabinet members, tendered their resignations as Yoon went missing for most of Wednesday, reportedly staying at his residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yoon re-emerged in the evening for a meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho and other senior PPP lawmakers, though details of their discussion were not disclosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> compiled key developments and primary materials, translated into English, to help readers understand the sequence of events leading up to and following the two-and-a-half-hour martial law regime. These events are categorized into three phases: the months leading up to Dec. 3, the day martial law was declared and the aftermath of its repeal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Ruling People Power Party lawmakers, including party leader Han Dong-hoon standby at the National Assembly building and the party’s auditorium, Dec. 3, 2024 | Image: People Power Party<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

\n

PO<\/strong>LITICAL CONTEXT: H2 2024\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Aug. 27<\/b><\/p>\n

South Korea\u2019s Cabinet approved the 2025 budget proposal of about $478.5 billion (677.4 trillion won).<\/span><\/p>\n

Sept. 2<\/b><\/p>\n

The Yoon administration submitted its 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Separately, o<\/span>pposition DP lawmakers questioned then-defense minister nominee Kim Yong-hyun \u2014 later identified as a key figure behind Yoon\u2019s decision to declare martial law \u2014 about rumors that he sought to declare martial law during his confirmation hearing. Kim dismissed the questions as \u201clies\u201d and \u201cpropaganda.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The DP had raised concerns over reports of informal meetings among Yoon\u2019s high school alumni in military and ministerial positions.<\/span><\/p>\n

When asked if he would support a martial law declaration if confirmed as defense minister, Kim denied any such intentions, saying that that is \u201cnot something that could possibly happen in this day and age.\u201d He added that even if such an order were given, the military would not comply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during a parliamentary budget committee meeting that the government was not preparing to declare martial law with plans to arrest lawmakers who could make it void. DP leader Lee Jae-myung raised such suspicions on Sept. 1 during a live broadcast of his meeting with PPP leader Han Dong-hoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

On Dec. 4, a defense ministry official, speaking anonymously, <\/span>confirmed<\/span><\/a> to local media that Kim had suggested the declaration to Yoon on Dec. 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nov. 7\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Amid growing controversies over leaked recordings allegedly linking a political broker to Yoon and first lady Kim Keon-hee, the president held a major press conference. Yoon opened with an apology for the scandals surrounding his family but stopped short of offering clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n

He dismissed the DP\u2019s push to investigate his wife as \u201cpolitical propaganda\u201d and potentially unconstitutional overreach, asserting that the matters had already been thoroughly examined. His remarks drew criticism from across the political spectrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

President Yoon Suk-yeol apologizes during a televised press conference, Nov. 7, 2024 | Image: ROK Presidential Office<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Nov. 8\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Yoon\u2019s approval ratings hit a record low of 17% in a Gallup Korea poll, with most respondents citing issues related to the first lady as the primary reason for disapproval.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nov. 15<\/b><\/p>\n

DP leader Lee Jae-myung was convicted of election law violations and sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspension.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nov. 25<\/b><\/p>\n

In the first trial of a separate case, Lee was acquitted of charges of soliciting perjury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nov. 27<\/b><\/p>\n

Yoon vetoed a bill calling for a special prosecutorial investigation into first lady Kim Keon-hee\u2019s alleged stock manipulation and other scandals. This marked his third veto of similar legislation, following earlier rejections in January and October.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dec. 2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The DP introduced impeachment motions against top prosecutors and the chief state auditor, citing their handling of cases related to the first lady.<\/span><\/p>\n

The presidential office condemned the moves as \u201cunprecedented in our constitutional history,\u201d accusing the DP of undermining constitutional order out of \u201crevenge\u201d for unsatisfactory investigation results.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Speaker of the National Assembly postponed a planned budget discussion to Dec. 10, citing missed legal deadlines for review and urging the ruling and opposition parties to resume negotiations.<\/span><\/p>\n

DP lawmaker Park Sun-won later <\/span>claimed<\/span><\/a> that military units, including the elite 707th Special Mission Battalion, began receiving standby orders on Dec. 2, with external training reportedly canceled. Park attributed this information to unnamed military sources.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

MARTIAL LAW DECLARATION\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Dec. 3<\/b><\/p>\n

3:40 p.m. <\/b>Yoon concluded a meeting with Kyrgyzstan\u2019s president, announcing the establishment of a comprehensive partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:00 p.m.<\/b> Media <\/span>reports<\/span><\/a> later revealed that elite units under the Army Special Warfare Command, including the 707th Special Mission Battalion and the 13th Special Mission Brigade, received orders to prepare for isolated area activities \u2014 a prelude to potential deployment. The 707th Battalion serves as a national-level counter-terrorism special forces unit in peacetime and conducts secret missions in wartime. The 13th Brigade\u2019s main mission is reportedly to eliminate North Korean leadership during wartime contingencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 707th Battalion reportedly received messages warning of a possible helicopter-based operation. Messages reportedly stated, \u201cThe defense minister said that if a situation occurs, the 707th Special Mission Unit will be deployed, so prepare to deploy immediately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

6:20 p.m. <\/b>Media reports later stated that the head of the Police Agency was instructed by the Presidential Office to remain on standby, though reports indicate he was unaware of martial law plans at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

9:30 p.m. <\/b>Rumors began circulating among journalists that Yoon would address the Democratic Party\u2019s impeachment motions against key officials and recent budget disputes.<\/span><\/p>\n

9:50 p.m. <\/b>Broadcasters received urgent instructions via private messages to prepare for a livestream of an emergency government announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n

10:00 p.m.<\/b> Yoon convened an emergency Cabinet meeting with 11 key officials, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, finance minister Choi Sang-mok and defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, to deliberate on the martial law declaration. While the majority of attendees reportedly expressed concerns about the legal and practical ramifications, including potential diplomatic and economic fallout, Yoon emphasized the need to counter what he described as anti-state threats and legislative overreach by the opposition. The meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes, with Yoon overriding objections and proceeding to finalize the decision to declare martial law.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

President Yoon Suk-yeol announces he will withdraw martial law a few hours after he invoked it, Dec. 4, 2024 | Image: KTV via YouTube<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

10:23 p.m. Yoon delivered a six-minute televised address declaring nationwide emergency martial law.<\/b> Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> has provided an unofficial English translation of the full speech below:<\/span><\/p>\n

President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Emergency Special National Address<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

Respected citizens, as your president, I speak to you today with a heavy heart and profound pain.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Since the start of my administration, the National Assembly has initiated 22 impeachment motions against government officials. Since the inauguration of the 22nd National Assembly in June, they have pursued 10 more. This situation is unprecedented \u2014 not just in our country\u2019s history but in the world.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The judiciary has been paralyzed by the intimidation of judges and repeated impeachments of prosecutors. The legislative branch has also paralyzed the executive branch, pushing to impeach the Minister of Interior and Safety, the Broadcasting Commission Chairman, the Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman and the Defense Minister.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Even the budget process has been weaponized, with essential funds for essential state functions, drug crime enforcement and public safety completely cut. These reckless actions have undermined our national stability, turning the Republic of Korea into a haven for drugs and creating a public safety crisis.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Democratic Party slashed 1 trillion won in disaster response reserves, 38.4 billion in childcare subsidies and 4.1 trillion won from projects for youth employment and deep-sea gas development. They even blocked funding for improving salaries and benefits for junior military officers.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This blatant misuse of the budget mocks our national finances. The Democratic Party\u2019s legislative dictatorship, using the budget as a tool for political strife, has even escalated to what can only be described as a budget impeachment. As a result, state affairs are paralyzed, and the public\u2019s frustrations are mounting.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This is a direct attack on the constitutional order of our free Republic of Korea. It is an anti-state act aimed at subverting the nation, disrupting legitimate state institutions established by the Constitution and law.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The lives of citizens have been completely disregarded. State affairs are now hostage to impeachment motions, special investigations, and the opposition\u2019s attempt to shield its leader.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The National Assembly, which should uphold democracy, has become a den of criminals, paralyzing the judiciary and administrative systems and plotting to subvert the liberal democratic system. Instead of protecting democracy, the Assembly has become a monster destroying it. The Republic of Korea is now in such a precarious state that it could collapse at any moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Dear citizens, to protect the Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces and to eradicate the shameless, pro-DPRK, anti-state forces plundering citizens\u2019 freedom and happiness and to protect the liberal constitutional order, I am declaring emergency martial law.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Through this measure, I will rebuild and defend our free Republic of Korea, which is teetering on the edge of ruin. I will absolutely eradicate the anti-state forces who have been the root cause of national ruin and have been committing evil acts until now.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This is an unavoidable measure to guarantee the freedom and safety of citizens and the sustainability of the state from the machinations of anti-state forces who aim to subvert the system, so we can pass on a proper country to future generations.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I will act swiftly to eradicate these threats and restore normalcy to our state. While I acknowledge that this declaration may cause some inconvenience to law-abiding citizens who uphold our constitutional values, I will work to minimize these disruptions.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

This step is unavoidable to secure the longevity of the Republic of Korea. However, it will not alter our commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities in the international community.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

As president, I appeal to you, the citizens of this nation, with all sincerity. I will devote my life to protecting the Republic of Korea, trusting only in you. Please trust me. Thank you.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

10:45 p.m. <\/b>Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun convened an all-commander meeting, instructing units to strengthen their readiness posture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Simultaneously, the DP summoned its lawmakers to the National Assembly. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon criticized the martial law declaration as a \u201cwrong\u201d decision, vowing to stand and fight \u201cwith the people.\u201d DP leader Lee Jae-myung called on citizens to gather at the Assembly to \u201cdefend the [country\u2019s] democracy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

11:00 p.m. <\/b>Police blocked all entrances to the National Assembly by 11:04 p.m., as the Police Commissioner General called for an emergency meeting with senior officers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lawmakers attempted to re-enter the Assembly to pass a resolution overturning martial law. Some successfully bypassed the blockade, with DP leader Lee and Speaker Woo Won-shik climbing the National Assembly wall to enter the premises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Footage of the scenes, including protests outside the gates, quickly spread on social media. Crowds gathered, chanting slogans such as \u201clift martial law,\u201d \u201ctake down the dictatorship,\u201d \u201cno violence\u201d and \u201cimpeach Yoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Protesters gather in front of the National Assembly, where they are blocked from entering, Dec. 3, 2024 | Image: Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

11:25 p.m. Yoon appointed Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, bypassing the higher-ranking Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Martial Law Commander. Park issued Martial Law Decree No. 1, effective retroactively from 11:00 p.m., banning all political activities nationwide.<\/b><\/p>\n

Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> provides an unofficial English translation of the full decree below:<\/span><\/p>\n

To protect the liberal democratic system from the threat posed by anti-state forces operating covertly within the Republic of Korea and to ensure the safety of its citizens, the following measures are declared nationwide as of 2300 hours on December 3, 2024:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. All political activities, including those by the National Assembly, local councils, political parties and political associations, as well as rallies and demonstrations, are prohibited.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
    2. Any actions denying or attempting to subvert the liberal democratic system are prohibited, including the dissemination of fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false agitation.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
    3. All press and publications will be placed under the control of the Martial Law Command.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
    4. Strikes, slowdowns and gatherings that foment social disorder are prohibited.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
    5. All medical personnel, including residents who are on strike or have abandoned their duties, must return to their posts and fulfill their responsibilities within 48 hours. Violators will be dealt with under martial law.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n
    6. Measures will be taken to minimize inconvenience to ordinary, law-abiding citizens, excluding anti-state forces or those aiming to subvert the system.<\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Violators of this proclamation may be arrested, detained and searched without warrants under Article 9 (Special Measures Rights of the Martial Law Commander) of the Republic of Korea Martial Law. They will be subject to penalties under Article 14 (Penalties) of the Martial Law.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

      – Martial Law Commander General Park An-su<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

      11:40 p.m. <\/b>Minor opposition Reform Korea Party lawmaker Cho Kuk issued a statement urging the National Assembly to not only pass the resolution repealing martial law but also to impeach Yoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul convened an emergency meeting with top officials. Cryptocurrency markets plunged following the martial law declaration, with exchanges reporting access delays. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced he was monitoring the situation from his office and summoned an emergency meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

      11:50 p.m. <\/b>The military ordered all battalion-level commanders and above to remain on standby.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Armed military helicopters were seen flying over the National Assembly, prompting lawmakers and aides inside the building to build barricades using furniture. Reports of potential military involvement spread.<\/span><\/p>\n

      12:07 a.m. (Dec. 4) Martial law troops entered the National Assembly grounds<\/b> and barricaded the main entrance within ten minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

      12:45 a.m. <\/b>Martial law troops broke windows and entered the National Assembly building, clashing with legislative aides. Breaking news reports detailed dramatic scenes, including a gun momentarily pointed at a resisting lawmaker, aides using fire extinguishers to push back troops and soldiers running through the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Later, the National Assembly secretariat released footage of the incident. DP lawmakers claimed that martial law troops had specific orders to target and \u201carrest\u201d at least high-profile politicians \u2014 DP leader Lee Jae-myung, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.<\/span><\/p>\n

      12:50 a.m. The Speaker convened a plenary session. <\/b>Additional military helicopters were mobilized.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"\"

      National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announces that 190 lawmakers unanimously approved a resolution demanding the repeal of martial law, Dec. 4, 2024 | Image: ROK National Assembly via Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

      1:01 a.m. In a unanimous vote, all 190 lawmakers present approved a resolution demanding the repeal of martial law.<\/b><\/p>\n

      Reports later indicated that 172 lawmakers were from opposition parties, while 18 were from the ruling PPP, allegedly from a faction aligned with Han Dong-hoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The resolution cited Article 77 of the ROK Constitution, which mandates that the President must repeal martial law if a majority of lawmakers demand it. Party leaders quickly declared the martial law nullified due to a lack of justification, warning that further enforcement would be unlawful.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Despite the resolution, reports indicated a brief standoff between martial law troops and parliamentary aides. Aides informed the troops of the resolution and reminded them of the constitutional consequences of noncompliance. Signs of troop withdrawal followed, with police authorities also beginning to disperse around the National Assembly gates.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1:35 a.m. <\/b>The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State expressed concern over the unfolding crisis, calling for a peaceful resolution.<\/span><\/p>\n

      2:01 a.m. <\/b>Speaker Woo formally notified Yoon and the defense ministry of the resolution to repeal martial law. However, the defense ministry announced it would maintain martial law operations until a presidential order was issued.<\/span><\/p>\n

      4:22 a.m. <\/b>The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that all martial law troops had returned to their bases.<\/span><\/p>\n

      4:27 a.m. Yoon delivered a brief national address, announcing the repeal of martial law. Shortly afterward, the Cabinet approved the withdrawal.<\/b><\/p>\n

      A White House National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson expressed relief over the repeal, noting that the U.S. had not been consulted in advance about the martial law declaration.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n

      AFTER SUNRISE: RESIGNATIONS AND IMPEACHMENT THREAT<\/b><\/p>\n

      The Pentagon announced the postponement of the Nuclear Consultative Group meeting and a major tabletop exercise in Washington, D.C., originally scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Sweden\u2019s Prime Minister also postponed a planned visit, while Japanese media reported cancelations of high-level visits, including former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Embassies and foreign governments issued travel advisories for South Korea, with some welcoming the repeal of martial law. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concerns about Yoon\u2019s decision to declare martial law.<\/span><\/p>\n

      9:00 a.m. <\/b>The presidential chief of staff and senior secretaries offered their resignations en masse. The DP and minor opposition parties announced plans to file an impeachment motion against Yoon. They also referred Yoon, the defense minister and the interior minister to the Seoul Central Prosecutors\u2019 Office on charges of insurgency.<\/span><\/p>\n

      9:50 a.m. <\/b>Some PPP leaders proposed asking Yoon to leave the party. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that the leadership agreed to demand Yoon punish the defense minister and initiate a cabinet-wide resignation.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Shortly after, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pledged to prioritize public safety, ordering that all military unit movements, except those related to border security, be cleared through the JCS.<\/span><\/p>\n

      11:00 a.m.<\/b> Mayors and district governors from the ruling PPP, many of them prominent politicians, called for Yoon\u2019s apology and measures to stabilize governance. The National Assembly secretariat banned defense ministry and police officials from entering parliamentary grounds. It later confirmed that martial law troops had entered the premises overnight, with a headcount of 280 soldiers and 24 helicopter deployments.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1:00 p.m. <\/b>Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated that he felt responsible for the situation and vowed to serve the public alongside the Cabinet \u201cuntil the last moment.\u201d He also urged public servants to continue their duties, signaling that mass resignations would not likely be accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n

      2:00 p.m. <\/b>Prime Minister Han, presidential aides and PPP leaders held an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister\u2019s Office. Reports suggested that PPP leader Han Dong-hoon asked the Prime Minister to relay a request for Yoon to leave the party.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Meanwhile, local media, citing anonymous sources, reported that most presidential office officials and staff were unaware of the martial law plans until Yoon\u2019s announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n

      2:30 p.m.<\/b> Six opposition parties submitted a joint impeachment motion against Yoon, signed by 191 lawmakers, and planned to vote between Friday and Saturday. Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok claimed that at least six PPP lawmakers would support the impeachment.<\/span><\/p>\n

      5:15 p.m. <\/b>Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon and floor leader Choo Kyung-ho met with Yoon at the presidential office to discuss the way forward. Reports indicated no major consensus was reached, with Yoon blaming opposition overreach for his decision to declare martial law, while PPP leaders urged him to apologize.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Media reports highlighted confusion at the late-night cabinet meeting before the martial law declaration, with many attendees reportedly unaware of the agenda. Some cabinet members, including Prime Minister Han, reportedly opposed the martial law plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"\"

      Democratic Party supporters protest against President Yoon Suk-yeol in front of the National Assembly, Dec. 4, 2024 | Image: Democratic Party of Korea<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

      6:00 p.m. <\/b>The DP submitted an impeachment motion against defense minister Kim Yong-hyun to the National Assembly.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Protests demanding Yoon\u2019s resignation began in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, followed by another near the National Assembly at 7:00 p.m., led by DP leader Lee Jae-myung.<\/span><\/p>\n

      6:15 p.m. <\/b>Defense minister Kim Yong-hyun announced his resignation.<\/span><\/p>\n

      12:01 a.m. (Dec. 5) <\/b>The PPP announced it would oppose the impeachment motion and boycott the Dec. 5 plenary session.<\/span><\/p>\n

      12:48 a.m. 190 opposition lawmakers and one independent filed a motion to impeach Yoon over his martial law declaration during a plenary session.<\/b><\/p>\n

      The motion alleged constitutional and legal violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression and breaches of the separation of powers. A vote is expected between Friday and Sunday, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.<\/span><\/p>\n

      8:35 a.m.<\/b> Yoon accepted defense minister Kim Yong-hyun\u2019s resignation and appointed Choi Byung-hyuk, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as his successor.<\/span><\/p>\n

      9:05 a.m.<\/b> PPP leader Han Dong-hoon pledged to oppose Yoon\u2019s impeachment while emphasizing that this stance is not a defense of the martial law declaration. Han noted that all individuals responsible for the unconstitutional martial law, including the president, should face strict accountability for causing public unrest and harming the nation.<\/span><\/p>\n

      10:00 a.m.<\/b> DP leader Lee Jae-myung called for Yoon\u2019s impeachment and urged Han to distance himself from any actions that might appear to support the martial law declaration.<\/span><\/p>\n

      At the same time, ROK Army Chief General Park An-su, the former martial law commander, and vice defense minister Kim Seon-ho attended a National Assembly Defense Committee hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

      11:57 a.m.<\/b> The DP announced that the impeachment vote and a separate vote on a special prosecutor\u2019s bill related to cases involving the first lady would take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:00 p.m., after the weekend rally.<\/span><\/p>\n

      1:26 p.m.<\/b> The Police Agency\u2019s Chief of the National Office of Investigation imposed a travel ban on former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun.<\/span><\/p>\n

      2:26 p.m.<\/b> South Korean prosecutors also issued a travel ban on Kim Yong-hyun.<\/span><\/p>\n

      4:20 p.m.<\/b> Martial law commander and ROK Army Chief General Park An-su confirmed to the National Assembly Defense Committee that he had tendered his resignation to the defense minister on Dec. 4.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Edited by John Lee<\/em><\/p>\n

      Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared nationwide emergency martial law in a late-night livestreamed address on Tuesday at around 10:25 p.m., citing threats from \u201canti-state forces\u201d attempting to subvert the government. He also accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of \u201cparalyzing\u201d governance, pointing to its push to cut the 2025 budget. Around an hour later, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10407,"featured_media":2207400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[27],"class_list":["post-2207399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-domestic-politics"],"yoast_head":"\nTimeline: The swift rise and fall of martial law in South Korea - Korea Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/12\/timeline-the-swift-rise-and-fall-of-martial-law-in-south-korea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Timeline: The swift rise and fall of martial law in South Korea - Korea Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared nationwide emergency martial law in a late-night livestreamed address on Tuesday at around 10:25 p.m., citing threats from \u201canti-state forces\u201d attempting to subvert the government. He also accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of \u201cparalyzing\u201d governance, pointing to its push to cut the 2025 budget. 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