Helicopters, Special Forces: Inside South Korea’s Martial Law Showdown at the National Assembly

Martial law forces deployed under South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, which was lifted after six hours, reportedly included elite troops from the 1st Airborne Special Forces Brigade of the Army Special Warfare Command (SWC) and the Capital Defense Command (CDC). Military sources suggested that these forces were highly likely armed with live ammunition.

News1 reported Wednesday that SWC troops had been on standby with their gear as early as Tuesday night, suggesting preparations for the martial law declaration.

The martial law forces attempting to enter the National Assembly building on Tuesday night were reportedly members of the 1st Airborne Special Forces Brigade based in Gangseo District, Seoul. This brigade, the first unit established under the SWC, serves as the founding unit of the Special Warfare Command. Reports indicate they were transported to the National Assembly via vehicles and helicopters.

Additionally, members of the 35th Special Missions Battalion under the CDC were reportedly deployed as part of the martial law forces. Based in Gwanak District, Seoul, this battalion specializes in counter-terrorism operations and is dispatched immediately in response to terrorist situations in the capital.

Video footage of martial law forces attempting to enter the National Assembly building shows them wearing helmets, masks, and bulletproof vests. They were equipped with advanced K1 submachine guns designed for special operations, with some troops also using night vision goggles, indicating full combat readiness.

Military sources told the media, “It seems that SWC and CDC troops, given their proximity to the National Assembly, were likely deployed as martial law forces. Based on precedent, they were probably armed with live ammunition.”

Inside and outside the National Assembly’s main chamber, staff and on-duty officials attempted to block martial law forces from entering by barricading doors with office furniture. Some staff used fire extinguishers to hold back the troops during the process. At one point, a martial law soldier pointed a rifle at Ahn Gwi Ryeong, the spokesperson for the Democratic Party, during a physical altercation.

At 11 p.m., the Martial Law Command issued its first proclamation, suspending all political activities.

Despite the National Assembly passing a unanimous resolution to repeal the martial law declaration at 12:48 a.m.. Wednesday, martial law forces reportedly continued to break down doors and makeshift barriers in an attempt to enter the chamber. According to the Democratic Party, six helicopters transported a company-sized force of troops to the National Assembly.

On-duty officials informed the troops of the repeal resolution, but the attempts to enter continued. Even after the martial law was lifted, military forces persisted in their efforts to join the National Assembly.

At approximately 1:20 a.m., the military began to withdraw. On-duty staff followed the retreating soldiers, asking whether they were carrying live ammunition and demanding the names of their commanding officers, but no one responded.

Some martial law forces reportedly refused to leave the rear gate of the National Assembly building, stating they could not withdraw without orders. Only after a staff member called the police and demanded their arrest did the troops comply and withdraw.

President Yoon declared martial law at 10:27 p.m. Tuesday, establishing the Martial Law Command at the Ministry of National Defense. Army Chief of Staff Park In Soo was appointed its commander.

However, the National Assembly’s resolution to repeal the martial law declaration was passed just two and a half hours later. Six hours after the declaration, Yoon ordered dismantling the Martial Law Command.

Shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense announced, “The emergency assembly at the Ministry has been lifted.” The Joint Chiefs of Staff followed at 4:30 a.m., confirming that “all deployed forces returned to their original units as of 4:22 a.m. today.”