South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law on Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” elements as he faces opposition control in the country’s parliament, which he accuses of being sympathetic to communist North Korea.
In a televised address, President Yoon explained that martial law was necessary to protect the constitutional and democratic order of South Korea.
“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,” Yoon proclaimed.
The leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, Lee Jae-myung, denounced the move as unconstitutional and called on his Democratic Party lawmakers to assemble in parliament to overturn the declaration. However, reports indicate that police buses have been deployed to block access to the parliament building.
Following Yoon’s announcement, the military declared that parliament and other political gatherings that might incite “social confusion” would be suspended, according to the Yonhap news agency. Additionally, the military ordered striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months against government plans to increase medical school enrolments.
It remains unclear how long Yoon’s martial law declaration will stand. South Korean law allows for martial law to be revoked by a majority vote in parliament, where the opposition Democratic Party holds the majority.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, condemned the martial law decision as “wrong” and vowed to oppose it with the people.
In his televised speech, Yoon stated that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He promised to eliminate anti-state forces swiftly and restore normalcy, urging the public to trust him and endure “some inconveniences.”
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to advance his agenda due to an opposition-controlled parliament. His party has been deadlocked with the liberal opposition over the budget bill for the next year. The opposition has also been attempting to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, which conservatives describe as a vendetta against investigations involving Lee, who is considered a leading candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Yoon has also faced criticism for dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, which has drawn swift rebukes from his political opponents. Following Yoon’s announcement, the Democratic Party reportedly convened an emergency meeting of its lawmakers.
His declaration marks the first instance of martial law since South Korea’s democratisation in 1987.
Frances Ibiefo
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