South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has imposed emergency martial law, claiming that the opposition, which he accuses of being sympathetic towards the North, has been preparing a “rebellion.”
In a televised address on Tuesday, the head of state alleged that the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, was paralyzing the government with “anti-state activities.”
“The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom,” Yoon insisted, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.
According to the media outlet, the country’s Defense Ministry has summoned senior military commanders for a meeting, putting the army on full alert.
Yonhap also reported that the military has announced a suspension of all parliamentary activity, with members of the National Assembly banned from entering the building.
The Democratic Party leader, Lee Jae-myung, has reportedly denounced Yoon’s decision as “unconstitutional.”
The president’s approval ratings have been dipping in recent months, with the parliamentary opposition having repeatedly derailed his agenda since he came to power back in 2022.
The long drawn-out confrontation came to a head last week as the Democratic Party shot down Yoon’s 2025 budget bill. The head of state has also been resisting calls for a probe into several scandals, involving his wife and senior officials.
The Democratic Party opposes the ruling People Power Party’s plans, insisting on an increased budget in order to “revive people’s livelihoods and the economy.” The opposition unilaterally put forth its own bill.
It has also submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.