After announcing a surprise martial law order, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces pushback from MPs who quickly gathered at the National Assembly and voted to block his move. Demonstrators also gathered outside parliament to protest the sudden military rule. Less than two hours after his declaration, President Yoon reverses course, with some attributing the decision to his controversial and weakened position as a lame duck president. In response, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has called for nationwide strikes until Yoon resigns, labeling his actions as a "crime of insurrection."
South Korean President's Attempted Martial Law Order Sparks Protests and Backlash
Background:
South Korea has a long history of authoritarian rule, with the country being under military dictatorship for decades until the democratic transition in the 1980s. The constitution prohibits the president from declaring martial law without the approval of the National Assembly.
Recent Events:
On Thursday, December 8, 2022, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in response to a perceived threat from labor unions. The move came as a surprise and was met with immediate opposition from the National Assembly and the public.
MPs Block Martial Law Order:
Within hours of the declaration, MPs gathered at the National Assembly and voted overwhelmingly to block the martial law order. The vote was a clear rebuke of the president's authority and sent a strong message of support for democratic principles.
Public Protests:
Simultaneously, demonstrators took to the streets outside parliament to protest the sudden military rule. The protests were large and vocal, expressing anger and fear over the president's actions.
Yoon Reverses Course:
Less than two hours after declaring martial law, President Yoon reversed course. The decision was attributed to his weakened position as a lame duck president, as he is set to leave office in May 2023.
Trade Union Strikes:
In response to Yoon's actions, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions called for nationwide strikes until the president resigns. The unions labeled Yoon's actions as a "crime of insurrection."
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
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