South Korean President Yoon declares martial law in surprise move
Seol (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In a late-night, unannounced televised address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, saying he would eliminate “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces ”.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described martial law as a critical measure to eradicate the “shameless pro-North anti-state forces.” He explained the decision as essential to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass on a stable nation to future generations. The action comes as Yoon’s People Power Party and the leading opposition Democratic Party continue to clash over next year’s budget bill.
For the first time ever, martial law had been declared in South Korea since the 1979 military coup d’état after the killing of the then South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, and the first since democratization in 1987. This is the 17th martial declaration since the constitution of the government in 1948.
As reported by South Korea’s YTN TV, Yoon Suk Yeol blamed the opposition for diverting the nation into a “drug haven” and creating a state of confusion detrimental to public safety and livelihood. He also expressed the Democratic Party was endeavoring to overthrow the liberal democratic system, declaring,
“The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse.”
How is the opposition responding to Yoon’s martial law?
On the other hand, South Korea’s major opposition, the Democratic Party, has called on all its legislators to gather at the National Assembly, the country’s legislative body. Its chief, Lee Jae-myung, has called on the public to assemble at the assembly. He said:
“Tanks, armoured personnel carriers and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country. The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”
Moreover, the parliament speaker is travelling to parliament and preparing to convene a session. However, it is reported that the entrance to parliament is barred and lawmakers are unable to enter. According to South Korean law, the administration must lift martial law if the majority of the National Assembly requests a vote. The same law also forbids martial law commands from stopping lawmakers.
