South Korean President Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Political Unrest
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law, accusing opposition forces of engaging in anti-state activities. In a live televised address on Tuesday, Yoon stated:
“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. This is an unavoidable measure to ensure the freedom and safety of the people and guarantee the sustainability of the nation against the unrest stirred by these subversive, anti-state elements.”
Backlash and Criticism
The declaration has triggered immediate backlash from both political leaders and citizens. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling conservative People Power Party, criticized the move, calling it “wrong” and vowing to oppose the declaration alongside the people.
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Meanwhile, South Korea’s Democratic Party, the main opposition party, has convened an emergency meeting in response, with Lee Jae-myung, the party’s leader, labeling the declaration as unconstitutional.
Since assuming office in 2022, Yoon has faced significant challenges in advancing his policies due to an opposition-controlled parliament. Tensions have escalated between his administration and the Democratic Party, particularly over matters like next year’s budget bill.
Political Tensions and Accusations
Yoon accused the opposition of sabotaging the country’s functions, particularly criticizing the National Assembly for cutting essential budgets related to national operations, drug crime prevention, and public safety.
“This has left our citizens in a state of chaos, with the nation becoming a haven for drugs and public safety collapsing,” Yoon asserted.
In addition to the political dispute over budgets, the president has dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, further intensifying political tensions.
As the country braces for potential unrest, Yoon’s martial law declaration marks a significant escalation in South Korea’s ongoing political crisis.
