Political chaos in South Korea: what is martial law and what comes next after Yoon Suk Yeol’s U-turn?

What was the declaration, and what is martial law?

In a dramatic, late-night emergency television address to the nation, Yoon announced that he was imposing martial law in South Korea, as he accused the opposition of paralysing the government with “anti-state activities”.

A six-point decree from the new martial law commander, the army chief Gen Park An-su, swiftly followed: banning political activities and parties, “false propaganda”, strikes and “gatherings that incite social unrest”.

The order also brought all media outlets under the authority of martial law and directed all medical staff, including striking doctors, to return to work within 48 hours.

The president’s move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s. It was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party.

Yoon said he was acting to safeguard his country’s liberal democracy from “anti-state elements” and “threats posed by North Korea” – but gave little detail.

While unexpected, the announcement came in the context of a festering budget row between Yoon and the opposition Democratic Party.

The opposition has slashed around 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from Yoon’s proposed 677 trillion won budget for next year, prompting the president to complain that “all key budgets essential to the nation’s core functions” were being cut.

What happened at parliament?

Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and troops entered the building for a short time, seemingly in a bid to prevent lawmakers getting inside.

But 190 lawmakers managed to enter, voting unanimously to reject Yoon’s declaration and calling for martial law to be lifted.

Outside parliament, hundreds of protesters gathered, many raising chants calling for Yoon to be arrested. Some protesters scuffled with troops but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Why did Yoon backtrack?

Under South Korea’s constitution, the parliamentary vote to lift martial law has to be respected.

Military officials initially said that despite the vote, martial law would remain in place until Yoon himself lifted it.

But opposition was united across political lines. The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong”. Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional”. South Korea’s main opposition Democratic party, led by Lee, called the president’s move “essentially a coup d’etat”.

Six hours after declaring martial law, Yoon said troops would return to their barracks and the order would be lifted after a cabinet meeting.

What has been the international reaction?

The White House said it was “relieved” that Yoon had reversed course on his declaration of martial law. “Democracy is at the foundation of the US-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation,” a spokesperson said, referring to South Korea by the initials of its official name, the Republic of Korea.

The US had previously said it was watching with “grave concern” the events in its key Asian ally where it has 28,500 troops stationed to guard against North Korea.

What is the feeling on the streets and what comes next?

Raphael Rashid, reporting for the Guardian from Seoul, writes that on the morning after the coup, the feeling in South Korea has been one of bafflement and sadness. “For the older generation who fought on the streets against military dictatorships, martial law equals dictatorship, not 21st century Korea. The younger generation is embarrassed that he has ruined their country’s reputation. People are baffled.

“Also everyone is wondering what his end goal was. Expedited impeachment is the word on people’s lips. From within politics, Yoon is facing calls to step down or be impeached.”

Politically, pressure has only grown further on Yoon after his late-night bombshell.

South Korea’s main opposition party has demanded that Yoon step down, accusing him of “insurrection”.

The country’s main labour union group has also called an “indefinite general strike” until he resigns over the “irrational and anti-democratic measure”.

Yoon’s own People Power Party described his attempt at imposing martial law as “tragic” and demanded that those involved be held accountable.