South Korean President Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Rising Tensions

The President of South Korea imposes emergency martial law in response to escalating tensions, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law, alleging that the opposition, which he accuses of showing sympathy toward the North, has been planning a “rebellion.”

During a televised address on Tuesday, the head of state accused the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, of paralyzing the government through “anti-state activities.”

“The purpose of the martial law is to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and safeguard the constitutional order of freedom,” Yoon asserted, according to a report by Yonhap news agency.

The media outlet reports that the country’s Defense Ministry has called a meeting with senior military commanders, placing the army on high alert.

Yonhap additionally reported that the military has declared a halt to all parliamentary activities, prohibiting National Assembly members from entering the premises.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has allegedly criticized Yoon’s decision, calling it “unconstitutional.”

The president’s approval ratings have been declining in recent months, as the parliamentary opposition has consistently disrupted his agenda since he assumed office in 2022.

The prolonged confrontation reached a climax last week when the Democratic Party rejected Yoon’s 2025 budget proposal. Additionally, the head of state has been opposing demands for an investigation into several scandals involving his wife and senior officials.

The Democratic Party stands against the People Power Party’s proposed plans, advocating for a larger budget to “revive people’s livelihoods and the economy.” In response, they independently introduced their own bill.

It has additionally filed impeachment motions targeting a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.