South Korea’s President Declares Martial Law

In a shocking late-night television address on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law as he accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in anti-state activities and harbouring pro-North Korea sympathies. This dramatic move has plunged the nation into political turmoil.

The declaration marks the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1980, during a student-led nationwide uprising. President Yoon justified the measure by citing recent actions by the opposition-controlled parliament, including attempts to impeach top prosecutors and reject the government’s budget proposal.

Yoon described these actions as “clear anti-state behaviour aimed at inciting rebellion” and accused the National Assembly of being a “den of criminals.” He defended martial law as essential for eliminating “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and restoring order, pledging to “minimise its impact on the public.”

Despite the president’s assertions, South Korea’s parliament swiftly voted to block the martial law decree, with 190 of 300 lawmakers opposing the measure. Under South Korean law, the president must comply with the vote, but the immediate implications remain unclear.

The announcement has sparked panic and disbelief among South Koreans. In Seoul, residents rushed to join their families amid heightened anxiety, with reports of law enforcement warning citizens that arrests could now occur without warrants.

Even members of President Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party condemned the declaration. Party chief Han Dong-hoon, a former justice minister, labeled the move “wrong” and vowed to join rival lawmakers in opposing it.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency has been marked by challenges and controversy. A former prosecutor with no prior political experience, Yoon narrowly won election and succeeded liberal President Moon Jae-in. Yoon’s popularity has plummeted due to scandals and controversies, with hundreds of thousands of citizens previously calling for his impeachment.