SEOUL — In a dramatic late-night address on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing a severe threat to the nation’s free constitutional order. The unannounced broadcast aired live on YTN television, leaving the nation in shock and prompting immediate debate over the implications of this unprecedented move.
President Yoon justified the decision as a necessary step to safeguard the Republic of Korea from internal and external threats. “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” he stated.
The President accused opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party which holds a majority in parliament, of instigating a political crisis. Yoon pointed to their recent efforts to impeach top prosecutors and their rejection of the government’s proposed budget as actions undermining national stability.
While President Yoon did not outline specific measures that would be enacted under martial law, the declaration signals a potential suspension of ordinary legislative processes and an increase in executive power.
The Democratic Party has not yet issued an official response, but opposition lawmakers have previously criticized Yoon’s administration for overreach and accused it of politicizing judicial and legislative disputes.
The declaration has already sparked concerns among legal experts, human rights groups, and international observers about the potential for abuse of power under martial law and its implications for South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Tensions between the ruling and opposition parties have been rising for months, exacerbated by ongoing disputes over judicial reforms, economic policies, and relations with North Korea. President Yoon’s address signals a turning point in the escalating political crisis.
Further details about the implementation of martial law and its impact on the nation’s governance are expected to emerge in the coming days.
