Barricades by politicians and clashes with police – how South Korea’s chaotic martial law unfolded
The last 12 hours in South Korea have been hectic. Just a day after the President’s popularity dipped to only 25%, he declared martial law in a bid to eliminate ‘anti-state’ forces.
Metro has broken down exactly what happened, and when.
December 3, 10.23pm – President Yoon declares martial law
In a speech, President Yoon said: ‘Dear citizens, I declare emergency martial law to defend the free Republic of Korea from the threats of North Korean communist forces and to eradicate the shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people and to protect the free constitutional order.’
10.40pm
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung rushes to the National Assembly and pleads with other politicians to do the same.
He filmed himself scaling a five foot fence in order to enter the building.
11:00pm – Martial law begins
December 4
Midnight
More than 150 lawmakers are present in the Assembly, at which point politicians have barricaded entrances from the inside to prevent the military from entering.
Armed troops tried to enter, but ran into politicians and staff, resulting in heated clashes both inside and outside the assembly.
12:48am
The assembly session begins, and a motion to end martial law is quickly brought up. It’s passed within four minutes with a unanimous vote.
Armed forces began to leave the building at this point, but protests continue outside of the Assembly.
4:26am
President Yeol announced the martial law is over, with his cabinet officially ending it.
‘I have accepted the decision made by the National Assembly to dissolve and lift the martial law,’ he told the nation.