White House 'relieved' by South Korean president's decision to backtrack on martial law

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House said Tuesday that it is "relieved" by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to backtrack on his short-lived effort to impose martial law on the country.

“We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly’s vote to end it," a National Security Council spokesperson told Anadolu. "Democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

The spokesperson, who commented on the matter on condition of anonymity, was referring to South Korea by its formal acronym.

A Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo early Wednesday morning passed a resolution lifting martial law after Yoon backtracked from his decision to impose it.

With the decision, martial law was effectively lifted from the country, according to a procedure laid down in the Constitution.

“Martial law will be lifted immediately by accepting the National Assembly's (Parliament) request through a State Council (Cabinet) meeting,” Yoon said in a second national address within hours of declaring martial law to “save the country against anti-state forces.”

Yoon had imposed martial law effective late Tuesday for the first time in 45 years. But 190 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament voted down his move, making it obligatory on him to comply with their motion.

Following the declaration of martial law, all political activities were prohibited, including that of parliament, local councils, political parties and political associations as well as rallies and demonstrations.

People rose in celebration after Yoon said he would comply with the parliament's decision. The president also said troops had withdrawn from parliament.