Seoul: Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong expressed his disagreement with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent declaration of martial law, which was lifted approximately six hours after its announcement earlier this week. During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Cho stated that he did not concur with the decision made during a Cabinet meeting held just before the declaration. He emphasized his belief that the martial law declaration was both illegal and unconstitutional.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho recounted his reaction to the martial law declaration, stating, “I was so surprised and flustered. To be frank, I do not remember who said what,” when asked about the details of the Cabinet meeting, including any opposition to the decision. Cho also expressed his dissent regarding the fifth article of the martial law decree, which mandated that trainee doctors and other medical personnel resume their duties within 48 hours.

Later in the session, Cho appeared to reconsider his earlier comments, mentioning that
he “cannot judge” the constitutionality of Yoon’s actions. The declaration comes amid ongoing protests by trainee doctors, who have been collectively opposing the government’s decision since February to increase the number of medical school freshmen to address a critical shortage of doctors.

Cho criticized the martial law decree, stating, “It went against the government’s stance to seek their return through dialogue, persuasion and faithful medical reform,” and described the language used in the decree as overly aggressive.