The declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024 triggered a massive political crisis. What followed were a series of rapid developments, legal challenges, and widespread political fallout. The following timeline traces the key events leading up to and following the controversial decree.

December 3, 2024 – Martial Law Announced

At 10:29 PM, President Yoon Suk Yeol made a shocking announcement on national television declaring martial law. He accused the opposition-controlled National Assembly of being a “den of criminals” and obstructing government operations. Yoon described his political opponents as “anti-state forces,” blaming them for the country’s decline, but provided no direct evidence to support these claims. He vowed to “eradicate” these forces, positioning himself as the defender of the state.

Shortly after Yoon’s televised address, the military’s martial law command issued a sweeping decree, which granted the government extensive powers. These included suspending political gatherings, controlling the media, and enabling warrantless arrests of individuals deemed to violate the decree. The military surrounded the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers from convening to challenge the declaration.

In response, opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party, immediately called for an emergency meeting to counter Yoon’s actions. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, live streaming his journey to parliament, urged citizens to rally and prevent the suspension of democracy.

December 4, 2024 – National Assembly Pushback

As the situation escalated, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik addressed the nation via his YouTube channel, announcing that the National Assembly would respond to the martial law decree in a “constitutional manner.” Speaker Woo, along with several other lawmakers, rushed to the National Assembly to convene. Despite military forces attempting to block access, Woo and others managed to enter the parliament building and opened a session at 12:47 AM to vote on whether to rescind martial law.

By 1:00 AM, a majority of lawmakers, including 18 from Yoon’s own People Power Party, voted to lift the martial law. Shortly after, military and police forces began retreating from the parliament grounds.

At 4:30 AM, martial law was officially lifted after a Cabinet meeting. However, opposition parties quickly filed an impeachment motion against Yoon, citing his actions as a violation of the constitution. The Democratic Party labeled his decree a “grave act of rebellion.”

December 5, 2024 – Fallout and Ministerial Changes

In the aftermath of the martial law declaration, Yoon took swift action to address the fallout by replacing his Defence Minister, Kim Yong Hyun, who had been reportedly involved in advising Yoon on the martial law decision. Despite this change, Han Dong-hun, leader of the People Power Party, initially criticized the martial law decree as unconstitutional but stated he would work to block the impeachment motion. Han also acknowledged the risks posed by the situation, expressing concern about the potential chaos it could cause.

December 6, 2024 – Reversal and Further Allegations

Han Dong-hun, however, dramatically reversed his position and voiced support for suspending Yoon’s powers. He cited growing concerns that Yoon was taking extreme actions, including ordering the detention of key political figures. Han claimed that Yoon had instructed the country’s counterintelligence chief to arrest opposition figures, including himself, Speaker Woo, and Lee Jae-myung, on charges of “anti-state activities” during the martial law period.

Lee Jae-myung questioned Yoon’s mental fitness to govern, raising concerns about his ability to continue as president. Lee vowed to intensify efforts for Yoon’s impeachment.

December 7, 2024 – Impeachment Motion Fails

The National Assembly held an impeachment vote, but it failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to suspend Yoon’s powers. This outcome was due to a boycott by many lawmakers from Yoon’s People Power Party. In response, Yoon issued an apology, acknowledging the controversy but asserting that he would not shirk responsibility for his actions. He also emphasized that he would leave it to his party to resolve the political crisis.

Despite Yoon’s apology, the Democratic Party quickly moved to file a new impeachment motion.

December 8, 2024 – Detention of Former Defence Minister

Authorities detained Kim Yong Hyun, the former Defence Minister, on charges related to his role in the martial law decree. Kim’s arrest marked a significant escalation in the investigation, as he had been a key figure in the implementation of martial law.

December 9, 2024 – Travel Ban on Yoon

South Korea’s Justice Ministry imposed a travel ban on President Yoon. The move was part of an expanding investigation into his role in the martial law decree. The police, prosecution, and anti-corruption agencies launched concurrent investigations, probing allegations of rebellion, abuse of power, and other criminal charges.

December 10, 2024 – Alleged Orders to Prevent Lawmakers

Kwak Jong-keun, the commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, testified before parliament that he had received orders from Kim Yong Hyun to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly. Kwak also revealed that President Yoon had directly called him to instruct the military to remove lawmakers and prevent the Assembly from overturning the martial law decree. Kwak stated that he did not follow the orders.

December 11, 2024 – Arrest of Kim Yong Hyun and Expanded Investigations

Kim Yong Hyun was formally arrested on charges of his involvement in the martial law decree. The Justice Ministry also disclosed that Kim had attempted suicide just hours before his arrest warrant was issued. Meanwhile, police attempted to search President Yoon’s office for evidence related to martial law, but they were blocked by Yoon’s security team.

Furthermore, South Korea’s national police chief and the head of Seoul’s police were detained for their roles in enforcing martial law.

December 12, 2024 – Continued Crisis and New Impeachment Motion

President Yoon, in another televised address, defended his martial law decree, asserting that it was a necessary action for governance. He denied any charges of rebellion and vowed to “fight to the end” against attempts to impeach him. Opposition parties, however, submitted a new impeachment motion, demanding a vote on the matter in the upcoming days. In addition, parliament passed motions to impeach the national police chief and the Justice Minister, suspending them from official duties for their roles in enforcing martial law.