Korea’s Yoon Reconsiders and Pledges to End Martial Law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a dramatic announcement, outlining plans to rescind martial law just hours after it was abruptly declared — a move that had already ignited intense political controversy.

“At 11 p.m. last night, I declared martial law with a steadfast determination to protect the nation from anti-state forces seeking to incapacitate essential state functions and dismantle the constitutional order of liberal democracy,” Yoon stated in a televised address delivered shortly after 4 a.m. local time. His remarks were reported by local media outlet YTN.

Despite the bold proclamation, Yoon explained his decision to backtrack: “In response to the National Assembly’s request, I withdrew the military forces assigned to enforce martial law just a short while ago,” he confirmed, signaling an abrupt resolution to the unfolding crisis.