South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to declare martial law in the country for the first time in 45 years but was blocked by a parliament vote early Wednesday morning local time.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik vowed to “protect democracy with the people” while urging military personnel to retreat from the legislative building, according to reports from the Associated Press. All 190 members who participated in the vote moved to block the declaration.
Before attempting to declare martial law, Suk Yeol described the parliament as a “den for criminals” who were “attempting to overthrow” the nation’s democracy.
“Our parliament has become a den for criminals. It has paralyzed the administrative and legal systems by ramming through [opposition-driven] legislations and is attempting to overthrow our democratic system,” Suk Yeol, the president and leader of the People Power Party, said in his announcement according to Reuters.
“Our parliament, which should serve as the foundation of democracy, has become a monster toppling it,” he added.
Moments later he tried to invoke martial law.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” he said.
“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the abyss of national ruin,” Suk Yeol continued. “To this end, I will definitely eradicate the anti-state forces who are the main culprit of the country’s ruination and conduct vicious activities.”
Suk Yeol demanded the nation’s doctors out on strike return to work within 48 hours and threatened to arrest those who refused without a warrant.
The leader’s announcement spurred protests outside of the halls of parliament where lawmakers fought through demonstrators to gather and approve the injunction opposing Suk Yeol’s mandate. The president’s party is in the minority while the Democratic party holds the majority
Suk Yeol’s threat to establish a temporary military reign crippled the country’s currency marking the biggest drop since 2016.
“We will mobilize all possible financial and foreign exchange market stabilization measures, including unlimited liquidity injections,” Choi Sang-mok, minister of economy and finance said in an emergency meeting with top economic officials in Seoul according to reports from Reuters.
He added that the ministry would convene again at 7:00 a.m. local time for further discussions surrounding the crisis.
Soldiers also gathered in the premises surrounding the National Assembly building amidst protestors who are chanting “Lift martial law.”
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