South Korea’s short-lived martial law: A timeline
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Police officers surrounding a protester outside the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec 4.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SEOUL - South Korea witnessed one of its most dramatic political events in recent years when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing “anti-state forces plotting rebellion”.
The crisis unfolded over 157 tense minutes before lawmakers voted to revoke the martial law.
At around 4.30am on Dec 4, the martial law was officially lifted, ending the overnight saga.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened in Seoul overnight:
10.23pm, Dec 3
President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul on Dec 3.
PHOTO: AFP
President Yoon declares emergency martial law in a televised address.
10.40pm
The main opposition party calls for an emergency parliamentary session. Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung urges all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly to begin the process of revoking martial law.
The leader of Mr Yoon’s ruling party, Mr Han Dong-hoon, heads to Parliament and joins the call for annulment.
11pm
Martial law takes effect.
11.14pm
Police attempting to prevent people from entering the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec 4.
PHOTO: AFP
Speaker Woo Won-shik arrives at the Assembly. Other lawmakers continue to arrive, some navigating police barricades.
Around midnight
The number of lawmakers present exceeds 150, meeting the quorum requirement. The Assembly’s main chamber is blocked from the inside. Military helicopters land on the premises, as a special operations unit arrives.
12.27am, Dec 4
Armed troops attempt to enter the Assembly building, clashing with lawmakers, aides and staff members.
12.38am
Some armed troops breach the Assembly’s main building.
12.48am
The plenary session begins.
1.01am
Ruling and opposition lawmakers unanimously vote in favor of a resolution urging the President to withdraw martial law during an emergency plenary session of National Assembly in Seoul on Dec 4.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
The motion to revoke martial law is introduced.
1.04am
The motion is passed with unanimous support. The Speaker declares the martial law invalid.
1.10am
Armed forces begin leaving the Assembly building.
4.26am
South Korean lawmakers watching screens showing a news broadcast of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s speech on lifting martial law, at the main conference hall of the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec 4.
PHOTO: AFP
President Yoon says he will drop the martial law in a second nationally televised address in 24 hours.
4.31am
South Korean troops return to bases after Mr Yoon agrees to lift the martial law.
4.40am
The martial law is officially declared lifted, following an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Around 6am
South Korean opposition parties hint at immediate impeachment of President Yoon, ruling party chairman Han Dong-hoon urges Mr Yoon to dismiss Defence Minister.
Around 9am
President Yoon postpones meeting on drug control, senior presidential aides offer to resign. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
