A dramatic power struggle unfolds in South Korea as President Yoon Suk Yeol takes unprecedented action against the opposition-controlled parliament.
According to CBS News, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities that have paralyzed the government.
The declaration prompted immediate resistance as hundreds of protesters gathered at the National Assembly in Seoul. Military personnel carrying rifles and police officers sealed off the parliament building, while helicopters were spotted landing on its roof, heightening tensions in the capital.
Martial law commander Park An-su issued strict directives banning all political activities and implementing media controls. The military authority gave striking doctors a 48-hour ultimatum to return to work, addressing a months-long healthcare crisis over medical school expansion plans.
The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-member parliament, quickly organized an emergency meeting following the announcement. Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's conservative People Power Party, openly opposed the president's decision, calling it "wrong" and promising to work with citizens to reverse it.
The White House National Security Council has confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with South Korean authorities. This development affects the strategic partnership between the two nations, with approximately 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
President Yoon delivered his justification for the martial law declaration in a televised address. He stated:
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. With no regard for the livelihoods of the people, the opposition party has paralyzed governance solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice.
The president's approval ratings have been declining in recent months as he struggled to advance his agenda against the opposition-controlled parliament. The immediate trigger for the declaration appears to be connected to disputes over next year's budget bill and resistance to investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials.
The martial law commander outlined extensive restrictions on civic activities. He declared:
All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited. All media and publications shall be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, condemned the declaration as illegal and unconstitutional. The situation has created significant concern about democratic institutions in South Korea, particularly as protesters face armed military personnel outside the parliament building.
The implementation of these measures has sparked intense debate about their legality and necessity, with both ruling party members and opposition figures questioning the president's authority to impose such restrictions.
President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law in South Korea has triggered a constitutional crisis, with the military assuming control over political activities and media operations. The decision came in response to what he claims are anti-state activities by the opposition-controlled parliament and their alleged sympathy toward North Korea.
The immediate future remains uncertain as protesters continue to gather at the National Assembly while military and police forces maintain their positions around key government buildings. The international community, particularly the United States, watches closely as one of Asia's most stable democracies faces a significant political challenge.
