South Korea's Yoon declares emergency martial law to 'protect' country from 'communist forces'

“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 Suk Yeol said in a live televised address to the nation

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. AP

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared an emergency martial law after he accused the country’s Opposition of controlling the parliament and backing 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 said in a live televised address to the nation.

The president also blamed the Opposition for paralysing the government with anti-state activities.

As he made the announcement in a televised address, Yoon defended the move by saying it’s critical for defending the country’s constitutional order.

He, however, fell short of giving details on what specific measures will be taken in an emergency.

Meanwhile, the leading Opposition party, the Democratic Party has called for an emergency meeting after Yoon’s shock announcement. The party’s leader Lee Jae-Myung has called the declaration of emergency “unconstitutional”.

Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.

The president’s conservative People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. He has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.

Yoon slams Opposition

The president accused opposition lawmakers of cutting “all key budgets essential to the nation’s core functions, such as combatting drug crimes and maintaining public security… turning the country into a drug haven and a state of public safety chaos.”

He also called the Democratic Party “anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime”, adding that his decision is “inevitable”.

“I will restore the country to normalcy by getting rid of anti-state forces as soon as possible.”

What will happen now?

South Korea’s Constitution enables the president to impose martial law in response to military needs during times of war, armed conflict, or a national emergency.

Under emergency, certain freedoms are restricted including the right to press, publication, assembly and the powers of the government or courts.

South Korea was marred by massive doctors protests earlier this year which also saw many health professionals quit. Under martial law, however, all such doctors are required to return to duty within 48 hours.

All political activities, including the operation of the National Assembly and local councils, political party activities, political associations, assemblies, and demonstrations, are prohibited.