Breaking News: South Korean President Declares Martial Law

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In an unannounced late-night address broadcast live on YTN television, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, vowing to eradicate what he described as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”

This marks the first instance of martial law in South Korea since 1980, sparking widespread shock and uncertainty across the nation.

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Yoon’s move has effectively suspended political activities and placed the media and publishers under the control of the martial law command, according to Yonhap News Agency. Although no specific threats from North Korea were mentioned, Yoon strongly criticised domestic political opponents, accusing them of sabotaging parliamentary processes and threatening constitutional order.

The opposition Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, denounced the declaration as a descent into authoritarianism. Lee called for public mobilisation, warning that “tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and soldiers will rule the country,” and predicted economic collapse.

The surprise announcement has unsettled South Korea’s financial markets, with the Korean won falling sharply against the US dollar. The central bank has indicated it is preparing measures to stabilise the currency.

Meanwhile, the White House has not issued a statement, and the US military in South Korea, which oversees 28,500 troops in the region, declined to comment.

Yoon defended his decision as essential to safeguarding the Republic of Korea, stating: “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.”

The declaration comes amid rising tensions with the opposition Democratic Party, which recently sought to impeach key prosecutors and rejected a government budget proposal, slashing over 4 trillion won. Parliamentary proceedings have reportedly been disrupted, with access to the assembly building now blocked.

The situation remains volatile, with the nation bracing for the far-reaching consequences of this extraordinary action.

(Source: Reuters)