News about martial law is broadcast on the television at Seoul Station in central Seoul on Tuesday night. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
SEOUL — South Korea witnessed one of its most dramatic political events in recent years when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing “anti-state forces plotting rebellion.” The crisis unfolded over 157 tense minutes before lawmakers voted to revoke the martial law. At around 4:30 a.m., the martial law was officially lifted, ending the overnight saga.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened in Seoul overnight:
10:23 p.m., Dec. 3
President Yoon declares emergency martial law in a televised address.
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise live TV address plunged South Korea into chaos on Tuesday night. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
10:40 p.m.
The main opposition party calls for an emergency parliamentary session. Leader Lee Jae-myung urges all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly to begin the process of revoking martial law. Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, heading to parliament, joins the call for annulment.
11:00 p.m.
Martial law takes effect.
A gate to the National Assembly after the martial law took effect on Tuesday night. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
11:14 p.m.
Speaker Woo Won-shik arrives at the Assembly. Other lawmakers continue to arrive, some navigating police barricades.
Around midnight
The number of lawmakers present exceeds 150, meeting the quorum requirement. The Assembly’s main chamber is blocked from the inside. Military helicopters land on the premises, as a special operations unit arrives.
12:27 a.m.
Armed troops attempt to enter the Assembly building, clashing with lawmakers, aides, and staff.
Members of the special operations unit are seen gathered around an entrance of the main Assembly building, where the plenary session is set to begin. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
12:38 a.m.
Some armed troops breach the Assembly’s main building.
12:48 a.m.
The plenary session begins.
1:01 a.m., Dec. 4
The motion to revoke martial law is introduced.
The National Assembly’s main chamber after passing the motion to revoke the martial law. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
1:04 a.m.
The motion is passed with unanimous support. The Speaker declares martial law invalid.
From 1:10 a.m. onward
Armed forces begin leaving the Assembly building.
Armed forces are seen retreating from the Assembly building. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)
4:26 a.m.
President Yoon says he will drop the martial law in a second nationally televised address in 24 hours.
4:31 a.m.
South Korean troops return to bases as Yoon agreed to lift the martial law
4:40 a.m.
The martial law is officially declared lifted, following an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Around 6 a.m.
South Korean opposition parties hint at immediate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, ruling party chair Han Dong-hoon urges Yoon to dismiss defense minister, to provide details on situation
Around 9 a.m.
President Yoon Suk Yeol postpones meeting on drug control, senior presidential aides offer to resign