Latest update: 190 lawmakers in the 300-seat National Assembly have voted to lift martial law.
On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared “emergency martial law” in an unannounced late-night television address, vowing that he would eliminate pro-North Korean anti-state forces.
Photo from Yonhap News Agency
He claimed that the country’s main opposition, Democratic Party is sympathizing with North Korea and anti-state activities, urging him to resort to martial law to safeguard free and constitutional order.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” he stated.
Yoon did not immediately specify who he considered alleged pro-North Korean anti-state forces but referenced them as obstacles to his administration’s agenda and the nation’s stability. He did not outline specific measures that would be taken.
The South Korean President cited actions by the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, including a recent motion to impeach top prosecutors and its rejection of a proposed government budget.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, emphasized that the declaration of martial law is “unconstitutional.”
Reports noted that those who violate martial law can be arrested without a warrant. All media and publishers will be under the martial law command, while all political and parliamentary activities are banned.
Medical staff, including trainee doctors, have been ordered to return to work in 48 hours.
“All political activities, including those related to the National Assembly, regional assemblies, political parties, the forming of political organizations, rallies and protests are banned,” Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the decree.
“Denying free democracy or attempting a subversion,” spreading “fake news,” “manipulating public opinion,” and organizing “strikes and rallies that incite social chaos” are also prohibited.
This marks the first time martial law has been declared in South Korea since 1980. Yoon, representing the conservative People Power Party, has been president of South Korea since 2022.
This is a developing story.
