Emergency martial law declared in South Korea

President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol has declared an emergency martial law in the country.

He made the announcement in a live televised address on Tuesday,  accusing opposition of anti-state activities.

Yoon did not say what specific measures would be taken. He cited a motion by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal. 

Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” 

He further claimed these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.” 

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agendas against an opposition-controlled parliament.

The People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill.

“The National Assembly has also completely cut budgets essential for national operations, drug crime prevention, and public safety, undermining the core functions of the state,” the president added. “This has left our citizens in a state of chaos, with the nation becoming a haven for drugs and public safety collapsing.”

Yoon has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.