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CV NEWS FEED // Catholic bishops in South Korea have strongly condemned President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent imposition of martial law, which was quickly overturned following widespread criticism from lawmakers, religious leaders, and the public.
According to UCA News, Yoon declared emergency martial law, the temporary imposition of military control over civil government, Dec. 3, citing a political impasse and what he described as the opposition Democratic Party’s “legislative dictatorship.”
According to an announcement made by martial law commander General Park An-soo, the declaration included sweeping restrictions on political activities, assemblies, and demonstrations.
Lawmakers swiftly voted to rescind the declaration, forcing Yoon to withdraw it.
“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution,” the Democratic Party of South Korea stated, CBS reported. “It didn’t abide by any requirements to declare it.”
In a statement Dec. 4, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK) called the president’s actions a violation of democratic principles, according to UCA News.
Bishop Matthias Ri Iong-Hoon of Suwon urged Yoon to address the nation and take responsibility.
“[Yoon must appear] before the people to explain what happened, sincerely apologize to the people, and take responsibility for the process of declaring and lifting martial law,” Bishop Matthias said.
Bishop Matthias emphasized the sacrifices made to build South Korea’s democratic institutions and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to defending those values.
“We strongly urge President Yoon and the government to respond sincerely to the demands of the Korean Catholic Church and the Korean people,” Bishop Matthias said.
Religious leaders across the country joined the CBCK in condemning the move. Kim Chung-suk, president of the Korea Methodist Church, called Yoon’s actions a betrayal of public trust and “an affront to democracy.”
In a statement, the Korean Church Human Rights Center warned “Christians “will topple the Yoon government should it continue not to heed the voice of the people,” UCA News reported.
Other Christian organizations and Buddhist groups also decried the declaration as undemocratic and unconstitutional, with some calling for Yoon’s resignation.
