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Transcript/ScriptSouth Korea Martial Law TVR
HEADLINE: Yoon’s martial law declaration sparks chaos in South Korea
TEASER: South Korea’s parliament quickly overturned Yoon’s decree, leaving his future in limbo
PUBLISHED: 12/3/24 at 8:32p
BYLINE: William Gallo
CONTRIBUTOR: Lee Juhyun
DATELINE: Seoul
VIDEOGRAPHER: Gallo
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Reifenrath, DJ (ok), Holly Franko
VIDEO SOURCES: AFP, Reuters, VOA, Kim Joon-hyung
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO _X_
TRT: 2:04
VID APPROVED BY: Jepsen
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: ))
((INTRO))
[[South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly imposed martial law Tuesday, an unanticipated move that rattled the nation and underscored political turmoil in the vital U.S. ally. Though Yoon quickly backed down, the development raises doubts about his political future, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from Seoul.]]
((NARRATOR))
A late-night protest outside South Korea’s parliament, after the president’s shocking declaration of martial law.
Yoon Suk Yeol said the move was necessary to eradicate what he called “anti-state forces.”
((Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korean President (male, Korean))
"Through this emergency decree, I will rebuild and protect a free Korea that is falling into the abyss of the world."
((NARRATOR))
A short time later, South Korea’s military entered the legislature, attempting to enforce a ban on political activity.
((Mandatory courtesy: Kim Joon-hyung of Rebuilding Korea Party))
It didn't work. Dozens of lawmakers, including one seen here, pushed past security forces at the outside gate.
Main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreamed his frantic dash over the fence and into the National Assembly building.
Once inside, 190 lawmakers, including many in Yoon’s own party, voted to overturn the martial law decree.
Within six hours, Yoon was back on television, this time announcing he would back down.
((Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korean President (male, Korean))
"However, I ask the National Assembly to immediately stop the reckless activities of paralyzing the function of the country through repeated impeachment attempts and manipulation of legislation and budget."
((NARRATOR))
As South Korean troops retreated, the country was left reeling — having not seen a martial law declaration in over 40 years.
((radio: Main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung))
((Lee Jae-myung, South Korean Opposition Leader (male, Korean))
"[Opposition party members and I] will protect democracy, the future of this country, the safety, life and property of the people."
((NARRATOR))
In Washington, Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said the U.S. had not been notified ahead of Yoon’s announcement.
((Vedant Patel, Deputy State Department Spokesperson))
"We are watching the recent developments in the ROK with grave concern. We are seeking to engage with our Republic of Korea counterparts at every level, both here in the United States and in Seoul.”
((NARRATOR))
The South Korean public may not be so restrained. Several major activist groups say they plan to protest until Yoon resigns.
((Bill Gallo. VOA News. Seoul, South Korea))
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