South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared ‘martial law’ in the country, saying the opposition was involved in anti-government activities.

Seoul, South Korea – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday evening, citing the need to protect the country’s constitutional order. The move follows escalating tensions with the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority and has blocked key government initiatives, including the 2024 budget.

In a televised address, President Yoon accused opposition lawmakers of paralysing the government and sympathising with North Korea. “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon stated.

The announcement has triggered widespread alarm, with police and helicopters seen at the National Assembly in Seoul shortly after Yoon’s address. Han Dong-hoon, a high-ranking official in Yoon’s administration, condemned the decision as “wrong” and vowed to oppose it alongside the public.

Budget Disputes and Allegations

The Democratic Party’s parliamentary majority has enabled it to push through a downsized budget proposal, blocking Yoon’s original plans. The president accused the opposition of slashing funding for key initiatives, including measures to combat drug crimes and maintain public safety.

“Our National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship that seeks to paralyse the judicial and administrative systems and overturn our liberal democratic order,” Yoon claimed. He went on to describe the opposition as “anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime,” arguing that the declaration of martial law was inevitable.

Calls for Accountability

The president has faced criticism for rejecting calls for independent investigations into alleged scandals involving his wife and senior officials. This has fuelled accusations of authoritarianism and deflected attention from his falling approval ratings.

Economic Impact

The announcement of martial law has unsettled markets, with the South Korean won dropping sharply against the US dollar. The situation has also prompted concerns about South Korea’s democratic standing, which had been solidified since the 1980s after decades of authoritarian rule.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, described the move as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Protests and legal challenges are expected in the coming days as the country grapples with a deepening political and economic crisis.

This dramatic escalation has drawn international attention, with analysts questioning the potential implications for South Korea’s stability and its relations with key allies, including the United States.

D.W.