MBC's PD Notebook Explores the Emergency Martial Law: Insurrection or Constitutional Defense?

MBC's PD Notebook (PD수첩) is set to air a special report titled 'Emergency Coverage: The Night in Seoul 2: Insurrection Parliament' today, December 9, at 9:30 PM.

The emergency martial law declared nationwide on December 3 at 11 PM was lifted just six hours later, around 4:30 AM. While the military and armored vehicles that stormed the National Assembly have vanished, citizens remain in shock and anxiety, spending the night awake as they face the morning.

The PD Notebook team stated, "President Yoon Suk-yeol declared the emergency martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect the constitutional order trampled by the opposition's legislative dictatorship. However, contrary evidence is emerging, suggesting that this martial law was a premeditated act of insurrection. What was the true nature of this shocking emergency martial law, the first in 45 years?"

As the martial law was lifted, various testimonies and evidence began to surface, shedding light on the events. Key military commanders involved in the operation, including former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun and former Intelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung, have testified that they played significant roles in executing the martial law.

The PD Notebook team further reported, "There are allegations that President Yoon himself contacted the commanding officers of the deployed units to check on the situation and encourage them, as well as directed Hong Jang-won, the first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, to assist in the arrest of key political figures, lawyers, and journalists. If true, this would mean that President Yoon was effectively leading the emergency martial law. Experts are evaluating this situation as a genuine 'insurrection' and 'military coup' under the guise of protecting the constitutional order."

The report also questions, "What conspiracies were underway to undermine the Constitution of the Republic of Korea surrounding the December 3 emergency martial law? We have compiled insights from key witnesses and expert analyses."

The public's attention is now focused on the political arena and the National Assembly. On December 7, just before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon, tensions were high in the National Assembly in Yeouido. With 200 votes needed for the impeachment to pass, only eight votes from the ruling party were secured, creating a precarious situation. Some ruling party members had even publicly declared their support for the impeachment, heightening the political tension and public anticipation.

On that day, an estimated 1 million citizens anxiously awaited the voting results outside the National Assembly. The political landscape, marked by conflicting interests, was busier and more anxious than ever.

The PD Notebook team stated, "We spent two days in the National Assembly on December 6 and 7, witnessing the fateful 48 hours leading up to the impeachment vote. We have documented the unfolding events surrounding the emergency martial law and the ongoing insurrection allegations."