Opposition lawmakers in South Korea moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law and then rescinded the order under pressure. The Democratic Party accused Yoon’s administration of acting unconstitutionally and illegally, leading to impeachment articles being submitted against Yoon, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The People Power Party respected the constitution and was considering Yoon’s position within the party.
Government officials reassured South Koreans after the brief period of martial law, and the U.S. Secretary of State welcomed the order to rescind it. The stock market and currency were stable following the events. Yoon’s approval ratings had dropped as he struggled against opposition lawmakers, leading to the surprise martial law announcement, citing the need to protect the constitutional order and national security.
The martial law proclamation banned political activities, media control, and ordered doctors on strike to return to work. This was the first martial law declaration in South Korea since 1980 and was quickly nullified by lawmakers and soldiers following public opposition. Yoon lifted the order, urging the National Assembly to end the impeachment attempts and budgetary sabotage. The military’s mature response to the situation was praised, but the events were described as inflicting wounds on the people.
Overall, the actions and subsequent reversal of martial law caused political turmoil in South Korea, leading to impeachment proceedings and strained relations between the government and the opposition.
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