South Korea's president concedes to parliament: Martial law lifted
The President of South Korea has accepted the National Assembly's decision. "In light of the parliament's decision, I will lift the martial law," he declared.
About six hours after the President of South Korea announced the imposition of martial law, Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the nation again.
"Respected citizens, last night I took decisive actions to protect the country from anti-state forces trying to paralyze the state’s basic functions and disrupt our liberal democratic constitutional order. We imposed martial law," said Yoon Suk Yeol. "However, the National Assembly has called for the lifting of martial law, and the military has been withdrawn," he added.
Yoon declared that in accordance with the will of the parliament, "he will immediately convene a government meeting to accept the National Assembly's request and lift the martial law."
President has surrendered, yet..
He added, however, that since it is early morning (it was 1:20 AM Eastern Time during his speech in Seoul), he doubts the entire cabinet can be gathered immediately. "I will lift the martial law as soon as a quorum is achieved," he assured.
The people gathered in front of the parliament, who came in the evening to protest against the president's decision, began singing with joy upon hearing the news of the lifting of martial law.
After the National Assembly adopted a resolution urging the president to lift martial law, there were concerns that Yoon might ignore the parliament's decision. Earlier, just after announcing martial law, the Chief of the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces, Park An Su, declared a "ban on parliamentary activity, political parties, and any political activity."
Source: PAP, chosun.com
