South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unannounced late-night televised address, accusing the opposition of plotting with North Korea.
To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law.
However, Yoon did not announce what measures the government would take. He referred to the opposition Democratic Party’s proposal to impeach top prosecutors and reject the government’s budget proposal.
Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin. I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country.
Responding to the leader’s announcement, the defence ministry called a meeting of “key commanders.” The military blocked the entrance to the South Korean parliament, denying access even to lawmakers, according to South Korean media.
