In a surprise late-night TV address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and accused the country's opposition of controlling parliament, showing sympathy towards North Korea, and obstructing the government with anti-state activities. As photos and videos of tanks rolling into Seoul and troops securing the parliament surface, questions arise about the extent of the measures and their impact on democracy. President Yoon's popularity has declined in recent months as he struggles to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.
In a surprise television address, President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law across South Korea, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament and having ties with North Korea. Television footage shows troops entering the main parliament hall while the entrance to the building is reported to be blocked. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation and the country's main opposition leader has called on the public to gather outside the building in protest. Political analysts suggest that the move to declare martial law is a result of domestic political issues.
In a televised address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has invoked emergency martial law to combat pro-North Korean forces and protect the country's democratic order. This decision comes amidst a tense struggle between the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party over next year's budget bill and calls for investigations into scandals involving top officials. The impact of this declaration on the country's governance and democracy remains uncertain.