President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law on Tuesday, alleging the opposition’s actions constitute “anti-state” activities.
In a surprise late-night address on YTN, President Yoon justified his actions as necessary to safeguard South Korean liberties and the constitutional framework, claiming the opposition had paralyzed the parliament and plunged the nation into crisis.
“I declare martial law to defend the free Republic of Korea from North Korean communist threats, to eliminate the treacherous pro-North Korean, anti-state forces undermining our people’s freedom and happiness, and to uphold the free constitutional order,” Yoon stated.
The White House hasn’t yet issued a condemnation of President Yoon’s actions.
“The Administration is engaging with the Republic of Korea government and closely monitoring the situation,” a National Security Council spokesperson told Digital.
President Yoon didn’t specify the measures to be implemented. Yonhap news agency, citing Reuters, reported that the National Assembly building’s entrance was being blocked.
“Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers armed with guns and knives will govern the country,” opposition leader Lee Jae-myung declared in an online livestream. “South Korea’s economy will face irreversible collapse. My fellow citizens, I urge you to come to the National Assembly.”
President Yoon’s party has controlled South Korea’s unicameral National Assembly since his 2022 inauguration. Opposition parties have consistently obstructed his legislative agenda, contributing to his low approval ratings.
President Yoon cited the Democratic Party’s actions as justification for martial law, including a recent attempt to impeach top prosecutors and the assembly’s rejection of his proposed budget.
Democratic lawmakers sought to cut over 4 trillion won from President Yoon’s budget proposal, which he argued would cripple essential government functions.
President Yoon suffered a significant political setback earlier this year when the Democratic Party expanded its majority in the assembly. A South Korean political analyst told the Associated Press that the election results left President Yoon politically weakened, even jeopardizing his control within his own party.
President Yoon has also faced scrutiny regarding his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Allegations include her involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and the release of spy cam footage showing her receiving a luxury bag from a Korean-American pastor, as reported by the AP.
Digital’s Sarah Tobianski and Reuters contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.