The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, has announced the lifting of martial law after the parliament voted to rescind it, leading to the withdrawal of military forces.
Earlier, in a surprising late-night televised address, President Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to protect the nation from North Korea’s communist forces and to counter what he described as “anti-state elements.”
President Yoon stated that the decision was necessary to safeguard the country’s liberal constitutional order and to eliminate pro-North Korean forces within South Korea. While he emphasized that he had no other choice, he did not elaborate on the measures that would accompany the imposition of martial law.
Yoon’s announcement came after tensions over the rejection of a government budget proposal and criticisms of scandals involving his administration.
Security forces, including the country’s armed forces, which had entered and surrounded the Parliament after the initial announcement, are reportedly gradually withdrawing from the scene.
