Korean Martial Law

  • Martial law enactment

    South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law. 300 soldiers and a large number of lawmakers go to the National Assembly. A vote to reverse the martial law decree occurs, with the assembly voting 190-0, including 18 members of Yoon's party.
  • Period: to

    Martial law enactment

  • Issues with the enactment

    His opposition labels Yoon’s martial law declaration an "unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup." Investigations begin into the legality of the decree, including potential charges of rebellion, and abuse of power.
  • President banned from departing South Korea, defense minister arrested.

    South Korea's Justice Ministry has Yoon from departing the country. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun is arrested on charges of rebellion and abuse of power. He later attempts suicide, unsuccessfully.
  • Police chief detained, massive protests erupt.

    Police chief and head of Seoul's metropolitan police are detained for their involvement in sending police to the National Assembly during the martial law incident. The National Assembly takes a vote to impeach the police chief and justice minister. Massive protests erupt in Seoul, with thousands of demonstrators demanding Yoon’s resignation. Strikes are organized workers.
  • New impeachment motion planned and presidential speech

    The opposition Democratic Party plans to submit a impeachment motion against Yoon, setting up a potential vote for the weekend. The motion is backed by claims that the martial law was an overreach of presidential powers. Yoon delivers a speech defending his martial law decree, claiming it was an act of governance, not rebellion. He vows to fight the impeachment attempts.
  • Impeachment attempt #2

    The Democratic Party attempts a second vote for Yoon's impeachment, though it is still uncertain whether they will gain the necessary two-thirds majority, needing support from at least eight members of Yoon's conservative governing party.