SEOUL: Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of undermining the government, sympathising with North Korea, and paralyzing the legislative process with anti-state activities.
In a televised address, President Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces” and protect South Korea’s constitutional democracy. He described the martial law as a necessary measure to safeguard the country from what he described as subversive elements within the opposition.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon stated. He framed the decision as essential to protect citizens’ freedom, security, and the nation’s stability in the face of mounting unrest.
It remains unclear how the declaration will impact South Korea’s governance and democratic institutions. Opposition figures have swiftly condemned the move. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, called the declaration “illegal and unconstitutional.”
The opposition party convened an emergency meeting following the announcement, while Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, expressed opposition, stating that the declaration was “wrong.”
Yoon’s administration has been in a prolonged standoff with the Democratic Party, particularly over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also sought to impeach several senior prosecutors, including the head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office.
In his address, Yoon claimed that the opposition had severely hampered national functions by cutting budgets critical to public safety, drug crime prevention, and other essential services. “This has left our citizens in a state of chaos, with the nation becoming a haven for drugs and public safety collapsing,” he said.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions with North Korea, which recently designated South Korea a “hostile state” and withdrew from the joint goal of unification. South Korea has responded with enhanced defense measures, including the completion of a new ballistic missile interceptor.
This move is part of broader efforts to bolster security against North Korean missile threats, which have escalated in recent years.
North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests, including short-range ballistic missiles, which have raised concerns over regional security. In 2022, a North Korean missile crossed the maritime border into South Korean waters, prompting a retaliatory missile launch from the South.
