- By Nidhi Giri
- Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Opposition lawmakers in South Korea are pushing to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he abruptly declared martial law only to backtrack six hours later, triggering a political crisis in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Members of the country’s largest labor unions added to the calls for Yoon to leave office, protesting in central Seoul on Wednesday morning and threatening to strike until he resigns.
The main opposition Democratic Party called for Yoon, who has been in office since 2022, to resign or face impeachment.
“It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down," senior DP member of parliament Park Chan-dae said in a statement.
Six South Korean opposition parties said they would submit Yoon's impeachment bill on Wednesday, the Democratic Party said in a message to media, with voting to take place on Friday or Saturday, Reuters reported.
The leader of Yoon's ruling People Power Party called for Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun to be fired and the entire cabinet to resign.
Yoon told the nation in a TV address late on Tuesday that martial law was needed to defend the country from nuclear-armed North Korea and pro-North anti-state forces, and protect its free constitutional order, although he cited no specific threats.
More protests are expected on Wednesday with South Korea's largest union coalition, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, planning to hold a rally in Seoul and vowing to strike until Yoon resigns.
What Is Martial Law?
Martial law is a state of emergency in which military authorities are given control over normal civilian functions, often replacing civil law with military regulations. It is typically declared during times of war, armed conflict, or a national crisis.
Under martial law, the military is empowered to enforce laws, maintain order, and make decisions usually reserved for civilian authorities. This may include curfews, restrictions on movement, and the suspension of certain rights.
Why Did The South Korean President Impose Martial Law?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, citing the need to safeguard the country's liberal democracy from "anti-state forces" and address the "threats posed by North Korea."
Although he provided few details or evidence to support these claims, his decision comes as a long-standing belief that a hard-line stance against North Korea is essential to prevent the regime from acting on its nuclear threats against Seoul.
(With Agency Inputs)