Martial Law

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court for the second hearing of his criminal trial on insurrection charges. His martial law bid in December led to national unrest and his removal from office. Yoon denies wrongdoing, claiming he acted to protect democracy.

South Korean lawmakers seek independent probe as Yoon's lawyers warn detention may spark 'civil war'

Yoon's lawyers argued against bringing him to custody, claiming he isn't a threat to flee or destroy evidence.

South Korean Lawmakers Impeach President Yoon Amid Martial Law Controversy and Escalating Protests

South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol in a second impeachment motion, amid investigations into allegations of rebellion related to his controversial martial law decree. The motion passed with 204 votes, surpassing the required 200. Yoon’s martial law, which lasted only six hours, caused political unrest, halted diplomatic activities, and shook financial markets. Public protests escalated, with Yoon’s approval rating plummeting. Yoon defended his actions, claiming the decree targeted opposition forces. Yoon becomes the second South Korean president to face impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017. The Constitutional Court will decide on his removal.

South Korean prosecutors detain ex-defence chief over martial law imposition: Report

The reported development came a day after Yoon avoided an opposition-led bid to impeach him in parliament, with most ruling party lawmakers boycotting a floor vote to prevent the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers.

South Korean lawmakers set to vote on impeachment of Yoon after martial law debacle

Impeaching Yoon would require support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The opposition parties that jointly brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats combined.

South Korean Politician Grapples with Armed Soldier in Defiance of Martial Law

South Korean politician An Gwi-ryeong became a symbol of defiance after grappling with an armed soldier outside the National Assembly during a tense political standoff. This followed President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected declaration of martial law, which sparked widespread condemnation. Viral footage shows An grabbing the soldier’s rifle to block troops from interfering with lawmakers’ proceedings. Inside, 190 legislators successfully voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to revoke martial law just six hours later. An described the confrontation as terrifying yet necessary, highlighting the fragility of South Korea’s hard-won democracy amid its struggle against authoritarian overreach.

From decree to defeat: Inside South Korea's failed martial law attempt

There have been more than a dozen declarations of martial law since the foundation of the South Korean republic in 1948, the last in 1979-1980 following the assassination of former President Park Chung-hee.

South Korea Crisis: Russia says it's watching 'tragic' situation, expresses concern | N18G

Russia expressed concern over South Korea's political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law before reversing the decision, triggering impeachment proceedings. Moscow’s Foreign Ministry criticised U.S. actions for exacerbating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Russia has strengthened ties with North Korea, signing a mutual defence treaty in June, raising alarms among Western nations. Allegations surfaced of North Korea sending over 10,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region to assist in the Ukraine war, though Moscow neither confirmed nor denied this. The situation underscores Russia’s geopolitical manoeuvring in Asia, complicating dynamics in the already tense region.

South Korea Crisis: US Watches developments with 'Grave Concern'; Pentagon Responds | N18G

The U.S. expressed "grave concern" over developments in South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise late-night address on December 3. Yoon claimed the move was necessary to counter "anti-state forces," sparking the country's most significant democratic challenge since the 1980s. Lawmakers unanimously rejected the decree, with protesters clashing with helmeted troops outside parliament. U.S. and South Korean militaries remain in contact, with no request for assistance from Seoul, according to the Pentagon. Yoon later agreed to lift martial law, honouring parliament's vote, amid mounting tensions and international alarm over South Korea's democratic stability.

Imran Khan says 'undeclared martial law' in Pakistan; files plea in Supreme Court

Khan has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, challenging the invoking of Article 245 in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad and calling it "undeclared martial law".

Bilawal Bhutto apprehensive of martial law in Pakistan: Reports

Bilawal's concerns stem from the ongoing political and judiciary crisis in the cash-starved country wherein the Supreme Court is hearing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's petition against the Election Commission of Pakistan's decision to postpone the Punjab Assembly polls.

Martial law declared in parts of Myanmar as rallies heap pressure on coup leaders

The orders cover seven townships in Mandalay, banning people from protesting or gathering in groups of more than five, and a curfew will run from 8 pm until 4 am.