Political tension in South Korea increases
(VOVWORLD) -The opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Wednesday called on President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign or face impeachment after he declared martial law only to reverse the move hours later, triggering a political crisis in South Korea.
 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares a state of emergency martial law on on December 3, 2024 . (Photo: VNA) |
During an emergency session on Wednesday morning, South Korea's Parliament passed a resolution condemning President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law, stating it violates the Constitution and asserting that all necessary requirements for declaring martial law were not followed.
The Presidential Office announced the mass resignation of the chief of staff and senior secretaries to reporters Wednesday morning, Yonhap news agency reported.
President Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on Tuesday night, accusing the opposition of paralyzing state activities. The South Korean Parliament then voted and passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. On Wednesday morning, after the government approved it, President Yoon announced the lifting of the order.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said the US welcomed President Yoon’s decision to lift martial law just hours after he imposed it and hoped that political disagreements in South Korea would be resolved peacefully and in line with law.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office expressed concern about recent developments in South Korea and advised all British nationals to monitor UK travel advisories and follow the advice of local authorities.
Russia and Japan expressed concern about the situation in South Korea.