Martial Law in South Korea Morning Lifted, but Political Unrest Continues

December 4, Kathmandu—South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s abrupt declaration of a curfew on Tuesday, December 3, has brought on a severe political crisis. In spite of strong protest, he was compelled to revoke the decision by 4 a.m. the next day. The sudden action has drawn criticism for causing upheaval in the nation and endangering his political destiny.

Armed forces were sent to Seoul’s National Assembly building after Yoon’s original proclamation, and MPs were held there under the guard of riot police. With slogans calling for the president’s arrest, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets.