US-backed President of S Korea announced the imposition of martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced the imposition of martial law across the nation, a strategic measure aimed at curbing activities of what he termed as "despicable pro-North Korean" political adversaries.
In a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, Yoon announced the implementation of martial law, citing the necessity to defend the Republic of Korea from North Korean communist threats. The measure aims to eliminate pro-North Korean anti-state elements that are undermining the nation’s freedom and welfare, and to safeguard the constitutional order.
In an unexpected development that reverberated nationwide, the country experienced a significant jolt as martial law was declared for the first time since 1980.
The President of South Korea stated that he was compelled to implement martial law to protect the nation’s democratic governance and constitutional framework, accusing opposition parties of hijacking the parliamentary process to incite a national crisis.
He refrained from specifying any individuals.
Yoon frequently labels his political adversaries as “pro-North Korean anti-state forces” and has previously accused parliamentary factions of obstructing his policy initiatives and compromising national interests.
South Korean President Yoon has expressed concerns, accusing domestic lawmakers of obstructing governmental operations, thereby hindering the effective functioning of his administration.
In response to President Yoon’s announcement on Tuesday evening, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung urged South Korean citizens to rally at the National Assembly. Access to the parliamentary complex was reportedly obstructed by security and military personnel.
In a recent online livestream, Lee, representing the majority political party in parliament, declared, “Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and armed soldiers are set to dominate the nation.” He further warned that “the economy of the Republic of Korea faces an irreparable collapse.” Addressing the public, Lee urged citizens, “I invite my fellow Koreans to gather at the National Assembly.”
In a significant political move, the Democratic Party last week dismissed the annual state budget presented by President Yoon’s administration, reducing it by over 4 trillion won for the 2025 fiscal year. This week, the party escalated its actions by introducing a motion to impeach several leading prosecutors in the nation.
