On December 3rd, I thought war had broken out in Korea. This was because the president suddenly declared a state of emergency.
Late at night, around 10:30 PM, breaking news flashed on TV that the president had declared a state of emergency. I started watching the news continuously, wondering what was happening…
It turned out that war hadn’t broken out, but the president had suddenly declared martial law.
Following this, members of the National Assembly started gathering at the National Assembly building to submit a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. The military was deployed to block their entry.
However, at 1 AM, with 190 members present, all 190 voted in favor of the resolution to lift martial law.
Six hours after declaring the state of emergency, the president announced its withdrawal.
What was the reason for the president’s sudden declaration of a state of emergency?
The Korean people, who still have memories of martial law from decades ago, will not let this incident pass easily.
The reason for the declaration of martial law is likely to become a major issue, and it seems likely to lead to impeachment.
I don’t know who could understand the president declaring a state of emergency in the Republic of Korea in 2024, when there isn’t even a war.
It seems like an unreasonable move by the president, whose approval rating has already plummeted.