South Korea; Parliament largely votes to block martial law decreed by the president

South Korean parliamentarians have largely rejected the martial law declared moments earlier by President Yoon Suk-yeol.

South Korean parliamentarians largely voted in favor of blocking martial law, introduced by President Yoon Suk-yeol, this Tuesday, December 3. This vote sparked applause in Parliament.

Under South Korean law, the president is required to comply with the vote. Earlier in the day, the South Korean leader accused opposition parties of hijacking the parliamentary process amid heated budget debates.

Special forces attempt to enter Parliament

“To protect the South Korea liberalizing the threats posed by North Korean communist forces and eliminating anti-state elements, (…) I declare emergency martial law,” the president said in a televised address.

Special forces are trying to enter parliament, according to images broadcast on public television and relayed on social networks.

Many demonstrators are also in front of the building, notably at the call of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. The latter deemed martial law “illegal” and called on the population to gather in front of parliament as a sign of protest.