South Korea declares martial law as ‘North Korea backers try to seize control’

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” on Tuesday after accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, being sympathetic with North Korea, and hindering governance with anti-state activities. 

Yoon announced the same during a televised briefing. 

He said this step is critical to defending the country’s constitutional order from “communist forces.”

“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,” Yoon told the nation. 

It is still unclear how martial law will affect the country’s democracy and governance. 

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon, whose approval rating also dipped recently, has struggled to realize his agenda due to strong opposition in the parliament. 

His conservative People Power Party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill.

Yoon also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and other top officials drawing sharp criticism from political rivals. 

Following Yoon’s announcement, the Democratic Party reportedly called an emergency meeting. 

Martial law in South Korea refers to imposing direct military control to enforce governance on the public. Previously, political turmoil has led to the implementation of martial law, including a student revolution in 1960 and a military coup in 1961 and later in 1979. 

Democratic Party of South Korea is in favor of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and aims for a peaceful relationship with Pyongyang. They advocate for increased cooperation with the North for reunification and emphasize a strong ethnic stance on nationality. 

The PPP, however, is anti-communist and supports South Korea possessing a strong nuclear arsenal to counter threats from the North.