Why was martial law declared in South Korea?

3 December 2024, 16:24 | Updated: 4 December 2024, 01:57

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has lifted martial law, which he implemented hours earlier in a move that shocked MPs, the public and international allies.

In a national address, the president said: "I have accepted the decision made by the National Assembly to dissolve and lift the martial law."

MPs, including members of his own ruling party, voted to block the declaration as protesters clashed with soldiers and police after the martial law ruling.

But what is martial law, and why did the president introduce it?

What is martial law?

It enacts temporary rule by the military and is usually invoked in times of war, rebellion or natural disaster.

When martial law is in effect, the military commander has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws.

It suspends all existing laws - meaning there can be a suspension of normal civil rights and the use of military law on the civilian population.

The step is taken when the civilian authorities are deemed unable to function.

The surprise move was the first declaration of martial law since the country's democratisation in 1987.

Martial law is typically temporary, but it can continue indefinitely. It is most often declared in times of war or emergencies such as civil unrest and natural disasters.

Recent examples of martial law being enforced include in Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.

Why did the president introduce it?

In his announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon Suk Yeol said it was critical for defending the country's constitutional order.

"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Mr Yoon said.

The move came after two years of Mr Yoon struggling to push his agendas through in an opposition-controlled parliament.

His conservative People Power Party has been in a deadlock with the liberal Democratic Party over next year's budget bill.

Ministers protested against the move on Monday by the Democratic Party to slash more than four trillion won (approximately £2.1bn) from the government's budget proposal.

South Korea martial law: Follow live updates

Mr Yoon said that action undermines the essential functioning of government administration.

The president has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing criticism from his political rivals.

Security and defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke told Sky News he believed the introduction of martial law was Mr Yoon's attempt to thwart his political opponents.

"Yoon has been leading a minority government for some time, against him the Democratic Party have just frustrated whatever he has tried to do," Clarke said.

"He has decided to get ahead of his opposition by creating this move.

"The last thing that liberal democracy needs at the moment is one of the democracies of Asia turning into a short-term dictatorship."

What was the reaction?

Before the president lifted martial law, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said the declaration of martial law was "unconstitutional" and called for the public to protest outside parliament.

The parliament, which is controlled by the opposition party, voted to block the president's decision, which he reversed just a few hours later.

According to the law in South Korea, the government must lift martial law if the majority of the National Assembly demands it in a vote.

Live TV footage from earlier today showed South Korean parliament aides pushing back martial law forces, spraying fire extinguishers while the public and police clashed.

(c) Sky News 2024: Why was martial law declared in South Korea?