SEOUL, (TDI): South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of undermining the government, sympathising with North Korea, and obstructing the legislative process with anti-state activities.
In a televised address, Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces” and protect South Korea’s constitutional democracy, calling the martial law declaration a necessary step to protect the country from what he labeled as subversive elements within the opposition.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon announced. He framed the declaration as essential for protecting citizens’ freedom, security, and the nation’s stability in light of rising unrest.
The impact of this decision on South Korea’s governance and democratic institutions remains uncertain. Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the move, with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, calling the declaration “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Following the announcement, the opposition party convened an emergency meeting, while Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, also expressed disagreement, calling the move “wrong.”
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Yoon’s administration has been engaged in a standoff with the opposition, particularly over the upcoming budget for the next year. Additionally, the opposition has been pushing for the impeachment of several senior prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office.
In his address, Yoon accused the opposition of severely disrupting national functions by cutting essential budgets for public safety, drug crime prevention, and other vital 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 escalating tensions with North Korea, which recently declared South Korea a “hostile state” and withdrew from the goal of unification. In response, South Korea has enhanced its defense capabilities, including the completion of a new ballistic missile interceptor.
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This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen security against North Korean missile threats, which have been growing in recent years. North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests, including short-range ballistic missiles, raising concerns over regional security.
In 2022, a North Korean missile crossed the maritime border into South Korean waters, prompting a retaliatory missile strike from the South.
