South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol took a dramatic step Tuesday, declaring “emergency martial law” and accusing the opposition of undermining the nation’s stability. In a televised address, Yoon charged that the opposition, which holds a majority in parliament, is paralyzing the government with “anti-state activities” and fostering sympathies toward North Korea. The move, he insisted, was essential to protect the country’s constitutional order.
The specifics of Yoon’s declaration remain unclear, leaving questions about its immediate impact on South Korea’s governance and democratic processes. The announcement, however, underscores the escalating tensions between Yoon’s administration and the opposition-controlled parliament—a battle that has dogged his presidency since he assumed office in 2022.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared an “emergency martial law,” accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities. https://t.co/LXCtBspmY6
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 3, 2024
Yoon pointed to a series of recent parliamentary actions as evidence of the opposition’s disruptive influence. Among them were a motion by the Democratic Party to impeach key prosecutors and its rejection of a government-proposed budget. These maneuvers, Yoon suggested, reflect a broader agenda to destabilize the nation’s leadership.
The president stopped short of outlining specific measures he plans to enact under the emergency law, leaving observers and citizens alike bracing for what might follow. Yoon’s bold move highlights the depth of his frustration with the legislative gridlock that has hindered his ability to advance his policies. Whether this declaration will consolidate his authority or deepen the country’s political divides remains uncertain.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” Yoon said.
MORE – South Korea’s Yoon says through martial law, he will rebuild a “free and democratic” country.
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 3, 2024
This is a developing situation and will be updated as more information becomes available below.
NEW: Chaos breaks out after police block the entrance to South Korean parliament following President Yoon’s declaration of martial law.
Special forces were reportedly seen entering the building.
Martial law commander Park An-su released the following statement:
All political… pic.twitter.com/uMlSuSZ1Mq
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 3, 2024
NEW: Protests are breaking out in South Korea with citizens calling for the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
“Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol,” protesters shouted in front of the National Assembly.
South Korean parliament voted to defy Yoon’s declaration of martial law.
What comes next… pic.twitter.com/aprstm1n21
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 3, 2024
According to reports, the leader of South Korea has/plans to lift martial law.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
