Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Declares Martial Law in a Surprise Late-Night Address
In an unexpected live address broadcast late Tuesday night on YTN television, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of martial law, citing an urgent need to safeguard the nation’s free and constitutional order.
President Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, of holding the legislative process hostage, creating a political crisis, and undermining the country’s stability.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eliminate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state elements that threaten the freedom and happiness of our people, and to defend the constitutional order,” Yoon stated.
Parliamentary Deadlock and Justification
Yoon’s declaration followed the opposition’s recent parliamentary actions, including a motion to impeach senior prosecutors and its rejection of a government budget proposal. The president accused opposition lawmakers of deliberately sabotaging key national functions by slashing critical budget allocations, including funds for combating drug crimes and maintaining public safety.
“Our National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, a legislative dictatorship paralyzing judicial and administrative systems while threatening our democratic order,” Yoon said. “They’ve turned this country into a drug haven and a state of public safety chaos.”
Yoon described his decision to declare martial law as “inevitable” to restore normalcy. However, he did not elaborate on the specific measures to be implemented. Local media, including Yonhap News Agency, reported that military personnel and vehicles were seen blocking access to the National Assembly building.
Opposition’s Fierce Criticism
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, strongly condemned the move, calling it a severe overreach of power. In a livestreamed statement, Lee painted a dire picture of the country’s future under martial law.
“Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with weapons will now rule the nation,” Lee said. “The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse beyond recovery. Fellow citizens, I urge you to gather at the National Assembly to resist this autocratic act.”
Broader Political Implications
The sudden declaration of martial law has deepened South Korea’s political crisis, with analysts warning of its potential to further polarize the nation. Yoon’s government has defended the move as necessary to prevent chaos and safeguard national security, but critics argue it could have far-reaching consequences for South Korea’s democratic system.
“This is the most unpopular government in recent memory,” said Zaigham Khan, a political analyst in Seoul. “Their use of force to suppress opposition voices and impose control only underscores their failure to engage in dialogue or resolve conflicts democratically.”
Escalating Tensions
The imposition of martial law has sparked intense criticism from various quarters, both domestically and internationally. Observers worry the heavy-handed approach risks provoking further unrest while damaging the government’s credibility. For now, the nation waits anxiously to see how this unprecedented development unfolds.
