South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and internal opposition.
In a live address, Yoon stated, “To protect our liberal state from North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements that threaten our people’s freedom and happiness, I hereby declare emergency martial law.”
Yoon criticized the opposition for disregarding public welfare and stalling the government with endless impeachment debates and investigations to protect their leader. This announcement follows heightened tensions within the National Assembly over the next year’s budget bill, which the opposition recently slashed significantly.
Yoon accused the opposition of reducing essential budgetary allocations for public security and justice, compromising national safety and turning South Korea into a “haven for criminals and a state of public safety chaos.”
Describing the situation as dire, Yoon said the martial law was “inevitable to ensure the continuation of a liberal South Korea,” ensuring it would not affect foreign relations. He expressed his intention to neutralize anti-state activities to restore normalcy swiftly.
Additionally, he depicted the National Assembly as detrimental to the democratic framework, likening it to a destructive force against liberal democracy.
Military readiness has increased following the declaration, with all units instructed to enhance their alert status. Access to the National Assembly has been restricted, with lawmakers barred entry.
This development occurs as public approval for Yoon’s administration wanes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his economic policies and personal controversies.
