In an unprecedented move since the country transitioned to democracy in the 1980s, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of emergency martial law on Tuesday morning. The announcement, citing threats from “subversive, anti-state elements,” has plunged the nation into political turmoil, sparking widespread protests and clashes outside the National Assembly.
Yoon’s decision follows escalating tensions between his administration and the opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a parliamentary majority. In an emergency press conference from his Seoul office, Yoon justified the drastic measure by accusing opposition lawmakers of obstructing his administration’s agenda and undermining national stability.
A Bold Declaration
“I declare martial law to protect the Republic of Korea from the threats of North Korean communist forces and to eradicate unscrupulous pro-Pyongyang anti-state forces,” Yoon said. “This action will safeguard free constitutional order and the happiness of our people.”
Yoon cited multiple grievances against the DP, including attempts to impeach top government officials, reduce funding for key institutions, and block his proposed 2025 national budget. Notably, the opposition’s $2.8 billion budget cut targets allocations for prosecutors, police, and Yoon’s presidential office.
The president claimed these actions were part of a broader effort to shield opposition leader Lee Jae-myung from legal scrutiny. Lee was recently convicted of election law violations and has accused Yoon of abusing power to silence his political rivals. In his declaration, Yoon referred to the National Assembly as a “hotbed of criminals” and vowed that martial law would remain in effect until these “anti-state forces” are eradicated.
Martial Law Measures
The military swiftly moved to implement Yoon’s orders. Martial Law Commander Park An-su announced strict restrictions on political activity, demonstrations, and media operations.
“All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and associations, are strictly prohibited,” Park stated. “All media and publications shall be subject to control by the Martial Law Command.”
The decree also mandates that striking medical personnel return to work within 48 hours. Thousands of medical professionals have been on strike since February, protesting government policy changes. Under martial law, all strike activities are suspended indefinitely.
Protests Erupt
The imposition of martial law has ignited widespread protests, with demonstrators clashing with police and military forces deployed to secure the parliament building in Seoul. Opposition lawmakers have gathered inside the locked-down National Assembly, resisting attempts by security forces to remove them. Riot police are preventing additional legislators and members of the public from entering.
Reuters reported that approximately 70 opposition lawmakers are currently inside the parliament, with many others attempting to join them. The scenes of confrontation outside the National Assembly are emblematic of a deeply divided political landscape.
Political Fallout
Yoon’s decision has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, including members of his own People Power Party (PPP). PPP leader Han Dong-hoon voiced his opposition in a strongly worded statement.
“The President’s declaration of martial law is wrong,” Han said. “There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country.”
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung went further, calling Yoon’s actions a betrayal of democratic principles.
“President Yoon Suk-yeol has betrayed the people,” Lee declared. “His illegal declaration of martial law is null and void. From this moment on, Mr. Yoon is no longer the president of South Korea.”
Lee urged military personnel to defy Yoon’s orders, stating, “The guns and bayonets you hold, the power you wield, come from the people. The one you should obey is not Yoon Suk-yeol, but the people.”
The martial law declaration comes amid growing discontent with Yoon’s leadership. His approval rating has plunged to 25%, reflecting public frustration with economic challenges, political scandals, and accusations of cronyism. Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, face allegations of interfering in a 2022 legislative election to favor a political ally.
Critics view the martial law announcement as a desperate attempt to consolidate power and suppress dissent. The opposition previously accused Yoon of planning such a move to preempt impeachment proceedings. Tuesday’s declaration has only fueled suspicions that Yoon is using national security as a pretext to neutralize his political adversaries.
With the National Assembly paralyzed and protests escalating, South Korea faces its most significant political crisis in decades. The international community is closely watching the situation, which could have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic institutions and regional stability.
As Yoon attempts to maintain control, the opposition and public alike are rallying to challenge what they see as an unconstitutional power grab. Whether the president can weather the storm or faces removal from office remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: South Korea’s democracy is under unprecedented strain.
