Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law for a six hour period on December 3rd 2025 causing outrage among Soul residents and the entirety of the Korean Republic, as their civil laws, and rights were revoked in the face of military occupation. Martial law was ended six hours later by the national assembly, which had called for Yoon’s resignation and began impeachment proceedings.
President Yoon, who’s term is due to end in 2027, had been facing low approval ratings and growing popularity of the People Power Party’s (PPP) rivals, the Democratic party. The day after conflict between Yoon and the Democratic Party, who had introduced impeachment motions against top prosecutors and the chief state auditor, at 10:23 pm Yoon declared martial law, addressing the nation through a six minute broadcast. This saw the deployment of South Korea’s armed forces to major cities, focused in Seoul, as well as the suspension of civil law and rights of the citizens. As the military seized control of the city the residents of the city began to protest, blocking and defying the soldiers.
The martial law was declared on the basis of eliminating “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and Northern sympathisers which Yoon implied infiltrated the government, most likely targeting his opposition. At 11:00 pm The police and military blocked off all entrances to the National assembly building in order to prevent lawmakers from assembling and trap those present inside. Later, at 11:25 pm Yoon appointed Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, bypassing martial law commanders who effectively made political activity illegal with the issuing of Martial Law Decree No. 1.
Around 11:40 pm. Lawmakers and present staff barricaded the entrances of the assembly building, in time for martial law soldiers to enter the National Assembly grounds at 12am barricading the entrances further to prevent unauthorized travel. Soldiers entered the building, some through windows, facing off with staff and lawmakers. In these clashes, chases through the building, guns pointed at resisting lawmakers, and aids using fire extinguishers to deter soldiers were reported.
Past midnight, unpresent lawmakers attempted to enter the assembly clashing with soldiers outside, livestreams and videos showing the scene accompanied by tense confrontations with armed soldiers. Similar scenes could be seen across the city with protestors gathered in the streets.
The National Assembly gathered for a plenary session at 12:50 am. A repeal to martial law was demanded, after the passing of a resolution with a unanimous vote of 190 lawmakers at 1:01 am citing Article 77 of the constitution as well as lack of proper justification from President Yoon.
Once the passing of the resolution, aids informed the soldiers of the nullification of martial law and consequences of further enforcement.
The defense ministry was informed of the repeal At 2 am by Speaker Woo, but announced it would maintain martial law until a presidential decree was issued. Despite this, the military returned to bases until further notice, facing taunts from protesters as they retreated. Finally at 4:30 am President Yoon delivered another national address announcing the repeal of martial law.
After martial law came to a close, plans and talks of impeachment began amongst PPP opposition parties as well as referral for insurgency charges. With these talks, the presidential chief of staff and senior secretaries offered their resignations, Martial law commander and ROK Army Chief General Park An-su resigned
The following day, 190 opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion for Yoon. As of January the Impeachment trials have begun, the first session without Yoons attendance. Regardless of the impeachment inquiry results, Yoon has lost support from his party, and others, along with his allies, who themselves have lost support, platforms and/or resigned.
