The Tamesis
December 4, 2024
Seoul – South Korea has witnessed one of the most dramatic political events in recent years, with President Yoon Seok-yeol declaring emergency martial law, citing “anti-national forces plotting rebellion.” The crisis unfolded in a tense 157 minutes before lawmakers voted to lift martial law. At around 4:30 in the morning, martial law was officially lifted, and the overnight saga ended.
Here are the details of what happened in Seoul last night:
December 3, 10:23 pm
President Yoon declared emergency martial law in a televised speech.
President Yoon Seok-yeol's unexpected live televised speech on Tuesday night plunged South Korea into chaos. Photo: Yonhap/Korea Herald
10:40pm
The main opposition party called for an emergency parliamentary session. Leader Lee Jae-myung urged all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly to begin the process of lifting martial law. Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon went to the National Assembly and joined calls to repeal the bill.
11:00 pm
Martial law is in effect.
The gates of the National Assembly on Tuesday night after martial law came into force. Photo: Yonhap/Korea Herald
11:14 pm
Speaker Yu Yuanzhi arrived at the National Assembly. Other lawmakers continued to arrive, some passing through police barricades.
around midnight
The number of members attending the meeting exceeded 150, meeting the quorum requirement. The main chamber of parliament was cordoned off from the inside. Military helicopters landed on the field as special operations forces arrived.
12:27 noon
Armed forces tried to enter the parliament building, clashing with lawmakers, aides and staff.
Members of the special operations group could be seen gathering around the entrance to the main assembly building, where the plenary session will begin. Photo: Yonhap/Korea Herald
12:38 noon
Some armed forces broke into the main building of the parliament.
12:48 am
The plenary session begins.
December 4, 1:01 a.m.
Motion to revoke martial law.
The main chamber of Congress passed a motion to revoke martial law. Photo: Yonhap/Korea Herald
1:04 am
The motion passed with unanimous support. The Speaker declared martial law invalid.
Starting at 1:10 am
Armed forces began leaving the parliament building.
Armed forces retreated from the parliament building. Photo: Yonhap/Korea Herald
4:26 am
President Yoon said he would lift martial law in his second nationally televised speech in 24 hours.
4:31 am
Yoon agrees to lift martial law, South Korean troops return to base
4:40 am
After an emergency cabinet meeting, martial law was officially lifted.
around 6 a.m.
South Korea's opposition party hinted at the immediate impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, and ruling party chairman Han Dong-hoon urged Yoon to sack the defense minister and provide details
around 9 a.m.
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol postpones anti-drug conference, senior staff resigns
