Seoul - South Korea witnessed one of its most dramatic political events in recent years when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing “anti-state forces plotting rebellion.”
The crisis unfolded about 150 tense minutes before lawmakers voted to revoke the martial law. At around 4.30am, the martial law was officially lifted, ending the overnight saga.
Timeline :
December 3
10.23 pm - President Yoon declares emergency martial law in a televised address.
10.40pm - The main opposition party calls for an emergency parliamentary session.
Leader Lee Jae-myung urges all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly to begin the process of revoking martial law.
Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, heading to parliament, joins the call for annulment.
11pm - Martial law takes effect.
11:14pm - Speaker Woo Won-shik arrives at the Assembly. Other lawmakers continue to arrive, some navigating police barricades.
Around midnight - The number of lawmakers present exceeds 150, meeting the quorum requirement.
The Assembly’s main chamber is blocked from the inside. Military helicopters land on the premises, as a special operations unit arrives.
12.27am - Armed troops attempt to enter the Assembly building, clashing with lawmakers, aides, and staff.
12.38am - Some armed troops breach the Assembly’s main building.
12.48am - The plenary session begins.
December 4
1.01am - The motion to revoke martial law is introduced.
1.04am - The motion is passed with unanimous support. The Speaker declares martial law invalid.
From 1.10am onward - Armed forces begin leaving the Assembly building.
4.26am - President Yoon says he will drop the martial law in a second nationally televised address in 24 hours.
4.31am - South Korean troops return to bases as Yoon agreed to lift the martial law
4.40am - The martial law is officially declared lifted, following an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Around 6am - South Korean opposition parties hint at immediate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, ruling party chair Han Dong-hoon urges Yoon to dismiss defense minister, to provide details on situation
Around 9 am - President Yoon Suk Yeol postpones meeting on drug control, senior presidential aides offer to resign
Source : Yonhap and Korea Herald Tribune
