Bar Association: "Yoon's Martial Law Clearly Unconstitutional... Will Act as Watchdog Until New Government Formation"

Korean Bar Association "During Government Transition, Will Protect Citizens' Fundamental Rights"

Regarding the emergency martial law announced by President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 3rd, the Korean Bar Association (KBA) stated that it is an "unconstitutional act that destroys the constitutional order" and declared, "As a lawyers' organization, we will fulfill our role as watchdogs until the current government steps down and a new government is formed."

On the 4th, the KBA held a press conference and said, "As the only lawyers' organization responsible for restoring the rule of law and upholding the Constitution, we will protect the fundamental rights of the people during this transitional period of government change." The KBA added, "It is practically impossible for the current president to complete his term," and stated, "We will assist in smoothly forming a national unity cabinet to ensure a stable new government and support the government and the National Assembly."

The KBA also said, "The Minister of National Defense and the National Security Office chief must resign immediately," and further explained, "We will do everything we can regarding the peaceful resignation of the current government and the schedule for forming a new government."

Earlier, following President Yoon's announcement of martial law, the KBA issued a statement titled "Immediately Lift the Unconstitutional Emergency Martial Law That Destroys the Constitutional Order." In this statement, the KBA said, "The president declared martial law and immediately closed the National Assembly, physically blocking the Assembly's demand to lift the martial law," and added, "Thus, it is clear that the president's declaration of martial law is unconstitutional both substantively and procedurally."