South Korean President Declares Martial Law in Late-Night Broadcast

SEOUL — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night during an unannounced live address on YTN television, vowing to eradicate what he described as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”

He did not cite any specific threat from the nuclear-armed North, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents. AFP via Getty Images

The announcement, which sent shockwaves across the nation, focused on domestic political opposition rather than citing a specific threat from nuclear-armed North Korea. South Korea, which transitioned to democracy in the 1980s following a period of authoritarian rule, has not seen such measures in decades.

Soldiers advanced to the main building of the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. via REUTERS

Yoon defended the declaration as a necessary step to safeguard the constitutional order, accusing opposition parties of destabilising the country. “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,” Yoon said during the address.

While he did not outline specific actions to be taken, reports from Yonhap News Agency stated that access to the parliament building had been blocked. The opposition Democratic Party’s leader, Lee Jae-myung, criticised the declaration, describing it as a return to authoritarianism. “Tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country,” Lee said during a livestream. “The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”

The move follows escalating tensions between the government and the Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament. Yoon highlighted recent actions by the opposition, including their attempt to impeach top prosecutors and their decision to cut over 4 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from the government’s proposed budget. Yoon argued that these measures undermine the essential functioning of government administration and force the country into crisis.

Yoon said he had no choice but to resort to such a measure to safeguard constitutional order. AP

South Korea’s ministers had protested the Democratic Party’s actions earlier in the week, warning of significant impacts on governance. Yoon emphasised the severity of the situation, accusing the opposition of holding the parliamentary process hostage.

The declaration of martial law has already impacted financial markets, with the South Korean won dropping sharply against the US dollar. The White House has yet to comment on the unfolding situation.

The sudden imposition of martial law raises serious concerns about the stability of South Korea’s democratic institutions and the potential ramifications for its domestic and international standing.