South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unannounced late-night TV address Tuesday, accusing the country’s main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.
The last time a South Korean president declared martial law was in 1980, during a nationwide uprising led by students and labor unions.
In the surprise announcement, he cited a motion by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.
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Seems like a great thing to let develop before we do a lot of commenting on it. But I do think that when ordinary people respond immediately and forcefully to reject a declaration of martial law, that’s pretty admirable.Report
Aaaand it’s over:
(From the translator):
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Well, that was quick.Report
Jan. 7, 2021 in an alternate universe.Report
“Nothing Ever Happens” bros stay winning.Report
President Yoon’s senior staff tenders their resignation:
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-12-04/national/politics/Presidential-aides-tender-resignations-after-martial-law-fiasco-Yoon-cancels-public-schedule/2192426Report
he gambled bigly and lost hugely.Report
A beautiful illustration of South Korean democratic durability. Heartening.Report