Yoon, Severe Economic and Political Chaos Under Emergency Martial Law... Criticized as a 'Self-Defeating Move'

Resolution to Dissolve the National Assembly Passed... 155-Minute Martial Law
Exchange Rate Soars... Exports and Domestic Demand Unstable Amid Political Turmoil
Opposition Likely to Amplify 'Impeachment' Calls... Political Confusion Rises

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering an urgent special address to the nation on the night of the 3rd at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol abruptly declared martial law on the night of the 3rd. However, the National Assembly convened a plenary session around 1 a.m. the next day and passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. According to the Constitution and the Martial Law Act, President Yoon must accept this and lift the martial law. This has raised questions both inside and outside the political sphere about why President Yoon hastily declared martial law. Critics point out that it could backfire, worsening public opinion and economic instability.

President Yoon declared martial law through an emergency statement at around 10:23 p.m. the previous day in the briefing room of the Yongsan Presidential Office. Subsequently, Park An-su, the martial law commander and Chief of Staff of the Army, announced through the 'Martial Law Command Proclamation (No. 1)' at around 11 p.m. the same day that "all political activities including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, political organizations, assemblies, and demonstrations are prohibited."

This is the first martial law declaration in about 44 years since October 26, 1979. According to the Constitution, the president may declare martial law in times of war, armed conflict, or a national emergency of a similar nature when the country is in a state of war with an enemy or when social order is severely disrupted, making the execution of administrative and judicial functions significantly difficult.

President Yoon judged that the government was paralyzed due to the Democratic Party of Korea's repeated attempts to impeach officials and budget cuts, leading him to declare martial law. In his emergency statement, he said, "The government is paralyzed solely due to impeachment, special investigations, and the shielding of opposition party leaders," adding, "Our National Assembly has become a den of criminals, attempting to paralyze the nation's judicial and administrative systems through legislative dictatorship and overthrow the liberal democratic system."

In particular, President Yoon accused the opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, of "engaging in clear anti-state acts plotting rebellion," and stated, "I declare martial law to eradicate the shameless pro-North anti-state forces at once and to protect the free constitutional order."

President Yoon Suk-yeol issued an emergency statement on the night of the 3rd declaring martial law. In the early morning of the 4th, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, following the passage of a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is expressing his position. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

However, voices criticizing the hasty declaration of martial law have emerged not only from the opposition but also within the ruling party. While it is true that there have been conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties recently due to the Democratic Party's impeachment attempts and budget bill processing, questions remain whether it justifies declaring martial law for the first time in 44 years. In fact, it is known that the sudden declaration of martial law by President Yoon was completely unknown not only to the press corps covering the presidential office but also to many Yongsan aides and even the ruling party leader.

Confusion has intensified since the declaration of martial law. The won-dollar exchange rate surged above 1,440 won as foreign exchange market participants rapidly shifted to safe assets. The financial and securities markets are also expected to be affected. Amid recent domestic demand sluggishness and growing export concerns, the addition of political risks has further increased economic uncertainty.

Conflicts with the National Assembly are also expected to deepen. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said, "This is an illegal and unconstitutional declaration of martial law that does not meet the substantive requirements set by the Constitution and the Martial Law Act," adding, "The one commanding you is not the president who declared illegal and unconstitutional martial law." Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, also told the military and police, "You must never cooperate with or aid unconstitutional martial law."

Even Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, apologized, saying, "I had no idea," and "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people." Going forward, opposition parties such as the Democratic Party are expected to use martial law as an opportunity to intensify calls for President Yoon's impeachment. Jo Guk, leader of the National Innovation Party, said, "President Yoon should be impeached just for this (declaration of martial law)," adding, "All citizens and lawmakers nationwide will never tolerate illegal actions."

There are also doubts about whether President Yoon followed proper procedures in declaring martial law. According to Article 89 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the Martial Law Act, the president must go through a Cabinet meeting before declaring martial law. However, it has not been clearly confirmed whether a Cabinet meeting was held. Furthermore, Article 3 of the Martial Law Act states that when the president declares martial law, "the reasons, type, date and time of enforcement, enforcement area, and martial law commander must be announced," but it is evaluated that the specific enforcement date and area have not been clearly specified.