South Korea's president yields to parliament, ends martial law
The President of South Korea has submitted to the will of the National Assembly. "In light of the parliament's decision, I will lift the martial law," he declared.
Approximately six hours after the speech in which the President announced the imposition of martial law, Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the nation once more.
"Respected citizens, last night I took decisive measures to protect the country from anti-state forces attempting to paralyse the basic functions of the state and destabilise the liberal democratic constitutional order. We imposed martial law," Yoon Suk Yeol stated. "However, the National Assembly has demanded the lifting of martial law, hence the military has been withdrawn," he added.
Yoon declared that, in accordance with the parliament's decision, he "will immediately convene a government meeting to accept the National Assembly's request and lift the martial law."
President has surrendered, however
He further mentioned that since it was early morning (it was 7:20 PM GMT during his speech in Seoul), he was doubtful about gathering the entire cabinet immediately. "I will lift the martial law as soon as a quorum is achieved," he assured.
People gathered outside the parliament, who had come to protest against the President's decision, began singing with joy upon hearing the news of the lifting of martial law.
After the National Assembly adopted a resolution urging the President to lift the martial law, there were concerns that Yoon might ignore the parliament's decision. Earlier, just after announcing martial law, the Chief of the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces, Park An Su, declared a "ban on parliamentary activity, political parties, and any political activity."
Source: PAP, chosun.com
