On December 4, 2024, the Korean National Assembly convened and voted unanimously to repeal the state of emergency that was declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol. The decision came swiftly after a turbulent evening in the Assembly, as lawmakers gathered to address the implications of the emergency and the necessity of returning to regular legislative processes.
During the session, Speaker Woo Won-shik presented the proposal for the repeal at around 1 a.m., which was met with overwhelming support from all 190 attending members. This marked a significant moment of unity in an otherwise divided political landscape. As outlined in Article 77 of the Constitution, the Assembly holds the authority to demand the repeal of a state of emergency if a majority of lawmakers concur.
‘This is a demonstration of the National Assembly’s function and responsibility,’ said Speaker Woo. ‘The President was required to notify the Assembly promptly upon declaring a state of emergency, and failure to do so is a failing on his part.’
Following the vote, the atmosphere in the Assembly turned celebratory, with clapping and cheers echoing through the hall. Lawmakers expressed relief and satisfaction at the decision, viewing the repeal as a step towards restoring normalcy.
President Yoon had initially declared the state of emergency late on December 3, under circumstances that raised considerable public concern and debate over civil rights and legislative authority. The Assembly’s swift decision to repeal reflects a robust response to the call for accountability and governance.
This event raises broader questions about the balance of power in South Korean politics, particularly in times of crisis. It also highlights the crucial role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic processes.
As the nation moves forward, it is essential to foster dialogue and collaboration among political factions to achieve stability and mutual understanding.
