South Korea’s President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has declared martial law, citing a “state of disorder” caused by the opposition Democratic Party. In an unannounced late-night address on Tuesday, Yoon accused the party of engaging in pro-North Korean activities and undermining the nation’s stability.
Yoon described the opposition’s attempts to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He added, “The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse.”
The president justified the unprecedented decision, calling it a necessary step to protect public safety and restore order. “We will eliminate the anti-state forces and restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible,” he said, assuring citizens that measures would be taken to minimize disruptions to their daily lives.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the ruling government and the opposition, which holds a majority in parliament. Local media reports indicate that access to parliament has been blocked, preventing lawmakers from entering.
Yoon accused the opposition of turning the nation into a “drug haven” and attempting to overthrow the liberal democratic system. “These shameless pro-North anti-state forces have paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals,” he declared.
As the situation unfolds, the president called on citizens to support his administration’s efforts to stabilize the country. Meanwhile, the parliament speaker is reportedly en route to convene an emergency session, although access restrictions remain in place.
