“Crazy” and “insane.” That’s how some Korean American reacted to the stunning declaration of martial law in South Korea.
The move by the president of the nation lasted just six hours…but its suddenness shocked even world leaders.
“When I first heard about the martial law, I thought something big had happened with North Korea,” said Elizabeth Kim,72, of Georgia to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “Using martial law like this in this day and age? This is ridiculous. Absolutely crazy.”
California Rep-elect Dave Min (D-Irvine) also expressed his disappointment in a statement sent to AsAmNews.
“The declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, meant to try to crack down on his political rivals and stifle dissent, posed a threat to the vibrant democracy of the Republic of Korea. I am encouraged by the fact that this martial law was unanimously overturned by the Korean parliament, and that President Yoon has apparently backed down. This type of anti-democratic action is unacceptable,” he said.
South Korean President Yoon Sook Yeol called in the military overnight Tuesday and suspended civilian legal procedures.
However, a vote by the parliament rejected his decision, forced Yoon to rescind martial law six hours later.
He has been under immense political pressures since April when the opposition Democratic Party took control of parliament.
Yoon said he did it “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements.”
However, many have trouble believing his explanation.
“I’m against martial law. It is a bad, bad decision,” said Andy Kim, a New Jersey resident not related to the senator-elect. “The president has to retire,” he said to NorthJersey.com.
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