South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024.
He said the country’s opposition controls parliament, sympathizes with North Korea and wants to paralyze the government with anti-state activities.
It is unclear how these measures will affect the country’s government and democracy, but South Koreans have already organized mass demonstrations.
South Korea has not experienced martial law for more than 40 years, and the shock of the South Korean people quickly turned into anger.
The Democratic Party in South Korea also reportedly held an emergency meeting with lawmakers after President Yoon’s announcement.
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul issued a security advisory to Indonesian citizens in South Korea following President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s declaration of martial law.
Through a post on its official Instagram page, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul urged Indonesian citizens, especially those living in Seoul and its surroundings, to remain calm but vigilant and continue to monitor developments in the security situation in their respective regions.
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul emphasized several preventive measures that Indonesian citizens should consider, including avoiding crowds and strategic locations such as the National Assembly in Yeouido and the Presidential office in Yongsan.
Indonesian citizens are also advised not to approach, watch, or participate in demonstration activities, even if they are peaceful.
The appeal of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul reads: “Please remain calm, always be vigilant, and always monitor the development of the security situation in their respective regions. ”
South Korean Parliament Revokes Martial Law Status
About two hours after the president’s announcement, the South Korean National Assembly held a session attended by 190 of the 300 members of parliament.
In the session, the parliament agreed to cancel the martial law status.
Responding to the parliament’s decision, President Yoon announced that martial law would be lifted on Wednesday morning local time.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is also facing threats of impeachment after declaring martial law. The state of martial law lasted only a few hours and drew strong reactions from parliament and the people.
As reported by Reuters reports that South Korean lawmakers have called for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
Yoon’s surprise announcement on Tuesday night has sparked a standoff with parliament.
After pressure from parliament and massive protests, President Yoon announced the lifting of martial law in a televised speech on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
He stated that the cabinet had approved the lifting and asked the military to return to the barracks.
“We accepted the request from the National Assembly and lifted the martial law,” he said.
Despite the cold temperatures, the announcement was met with cheers from demonstrators who were still outside the parliament building.