Official records from the South Korean National Assembly

Yoon Lifts Martial Law After Parliament Vote, Union Strike Threat

Dec 3, 2024, 07:41 PM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced he will lift the martial law he declared late Tuesday, following a unanimous parliamentary vote rejecting the measure and an announced general strike by the Federation of Trade Unions. In a televised briefing, Yoon stated, 'I am canceling the martial law,' and ordered troops and police enforcing the measure to stand down. The martial law, which lasted just over five hours, was initially declared to eradicate 'anti-state forces' amid tensions with an opposition-controlled parliament. Yoon said a cabinet meeting would be convened as soon as possible to officially lift martial law and confirmed that troops have withdrawn from parliament. Celebrations erupted outside the National Assembly following the announcement of the martial law's reversal.