Democratic Party, Immediate Discussion on 'Martial Law Lifting'... What are the Conditions?

Emergency Assembly of National Assembly Members on Martial Law Election

As President Yoon Suk-yeol held an emergency meeting on the night of the 3rd and suggested martial law, the Democratic Party immediately gathered its members. The Democratic Party members see it as necessary to discuss the steps needed for the immediate lifting of martial law.

Article 77, Clause 6 of the Constitution states that 'when the National Assembly requests the lifting of martial law with the consent of a majority of its members, the President must lift it.' The Democratic Party is solely focusing on interpreting this clause.

On this day, President Yoon held an emergency meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office and stated, "The Democratic Party's legislative monopoly is not even sparing the budget framework," adding, "From the North Korean communist forces' conspiracy to protect the Republic of Korea's freedom and to eradicate the treacherous pro-North Korean anti-national forces undermining our people's freedom and happiness, martial law is suggested."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party representative, broadcasted live on YouTube from a vehicle heading to the National Assembly immediately after President Yoon's martial law suggestion, stating, "From this moment, President Yoon is not the President of the Republic of Korea," and "President Yoon suggested martial law without any reason. Soon, tanks and armored vehicles, soldiers with rifles will be deployed to dominate this country."

He continued, "It is a desperate time. The fate of the nation is at stake," emphasizing, "The true sovereigns of this country, the people of the Republic of Korea, must protect it."

Reporter Lee Seul-ki from Hankyung seulkee@hankyung.com