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.
In response to North Korea's recent launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), South Korea's Missile Strategy Command plans to test its own Hyunmoo-2 ballistic missile this week. The test is a direct response to North Korea's continued provocations, according to an unnamed military official quoted in a Yonhap News report. The Hyunmoo-2 missile is capable of striking North Korea if needed, and serves as a warning to the country. North Korea has fired approximately 45 ballistic missiles so far this year and recently launched an ICBM that reportedly broke flight records.
On its 79th anniversary, the United Nations continues to face scrutiny for its effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts. However, the organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping the world order over the past decades, particularly in the creation of Israel and the Korean War. From the UN Special Committee on Palestine to the adoption of Resolution 181, the organisation's decisions have had lasting impacts on the Middle East. Similarly, the UN's condemnation of North Korea's invasion of South Korea played a crucial role in the Korean War. Despite facing criticism for its handling of these conflicts, the UN's decisions continue to have a profound impact on global politics.
Amid speculation that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to ratify a treaty with North Korea that would provide mutual assistance in the case of aggression from an outside force. The move has raised concerns in South Korea, with its spy agency claiming that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia and are likely to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine soon. This development comes as Western countries accuse North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.
In a recent development in the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas, South Korea has reported that a balloon carrying trash from North Korea landed in the presidential compound in Seoul. This incident has caused further strain on the already fragile relationship between the two nations. Stay updated and informed on this issue with our 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events.
In a press conference in Rome, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited intelligence suggesting the presence of up to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, who would support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers have also reported that North Korea has recently sent 3,000 troops to Russia, doubling previous estimates. This revelation raises concerns about the potential involvement of North Korea in the Ukraine crisis and adds further tension to the already volatile situation.
As tensions rise between North Korea and Ukraine, South Korea vows to take action in response to the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. In addition to potential advisors and heavy weapons being sent to Ukraine, there are also reports of fighter pilots being sent to Russia. This military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is seen as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and poses a significant security threat to the international community. As the situation develops, South Korea is prepared to take "phased measures" in response to their military ties.
For the first time in 25 years, the popular French complex arts group 'Shazam' will be performing in Korea. The group, known for their unique blend of acrobatics, music, and visual effects, is set to put on a spectacular show in Incheon. Fans are eagerly awaiting the performance, especially after the recent news of the group's lead singer's successful surgery.