Protests have erupted in Seoul after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law earlier today (December 3), in what he has said is an effort to stamp out “anti-state” forces who are sympathetic to North Korea – in other words, the country’s opposition party, which is currently trying to impeach several of his top prosecutors for corruption. 

After the announcement, South Korea’s military pronounced that parliament would be suspended, and  footage shows police officers and soldiers blocking the entrance of South Korea’s assembly.

Martial law commander Park An-su issued a statement, which ruled that “all political activities in South Korea are banned” and that “all media and publications shall be subject to the control of the martial law command”. The military also decreed that the country’s striking doctors, who are currently engaged in industrial action, should be forced to return to work.

But the opposition party – which holds a majority in parliament – has already voted to overrule this measure, and even the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party has denounced it. Opposition leader Lee Yaemyung live-streamed himself climbing over the blockade wall in order to make the vote. 

As the vote was taking place, thousands of protesters rushed to defend the assembly building to prevent soldiers from storming inside. As journalist Joseph Kim reported on Twitter, this tactic was eventually successful in forcing the soldiers to pull back. If this was an attempted coup, then it doesn’t look like a successful one, although it’s still not clear whether Yoon and the military will accept being overruled. Military officials have said that martial law will remain in place until Yoon himself personally lifts it, but troops are already beginning to withdraw.

Yoon, who was elected in 2022, is a deeply controversial figure who has been likened to Trump by many South Koreans. He is known for his anti-feminist views, hostility towards trade unions and pursuing a more hostile stance towards North Korean than his predecessors. 

Update: 04/12/2024 Late last night, Yoon accepted parliament's vote and lifted martial law. Now South Korean lawmakers will vote on whether to impeach him for "insecurrectionary behaviour", which could lead to him being removed from office. There's a lesson here for all aspiring despots: if you're gong to attempt a military coup, try to ensure that you're not going to be opposed by literally everyone, including your own party.