Martial Law

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of martial law, citing threats to the nation's democracy and security. The declaration came amid political tensions and a budget impasse with the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The martial law order, which took effect at 11 PM, suspended civil liberties and granted the military broad powers. The move sparked immediate backlash from the opposition, civil society groups, and international observers. Protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators calling for the president's resignation. The National Assembly, defying the martial law order, voted to overturn the decree on December 4, 2024. Following the Assembly's vote, the government lifted the martial law declaration.