South Korea Declares Martial Law Amid Political Crisis and Security Concerns

Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from "anti-state elements" and North Korea’s communist forces. In a televised address, Yoon accused the opposition of undermining democracy and obstructing governance over disputes related to the national budget.

“To protect a free South Korea from North Korea’s threats and eliminate anti-state elements jeopardizing public welfare, I have declared emergency martial law,” Yoon said.

The move follows a contentious budget debate between Yoon’s People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party. The opposition recently passed a significantly reduced budget, cutting around 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from the president's original 677 trillion won proposal. Key funding for the presidency, law enforcement, and anti-drug initiatives were slashed.

Yoon criticized the opposition, accusing them of using parliament as a “haven for criminals” and attempting to “paralyze judicial and administrative systems.” He claimed the opposition is intent on overturning South Korea’s democratic framework.

Assembly Sealed, Military on Alert

Under martial law, all military units have been placed on heightened alert. The National Assembly has been sealed, and members of parliament have been barred from entering. Yonhap News reported that martial law aims to ensure continuity of governance without affecting foreign policy.

Yoon, a former prosecutor, vowed to “restore normalcy” and eliminate anti-state threats. His decision comes as his approval ratings dropped to 19%, driven by public dissatisfaction with economic policies and controversies involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

This development intensifies South Korea’s political turmoil, as the country remains on high alert against North Korea’s ongoing military threats.