In an unprecedented move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from both North Korea’s communist forces and internal “anti-state” elements. The decision was made in the midst of escalating tensions between Yoon’s government and opposition parties over the nation’s budget bill.
In a live televised address, Yoon stated that the imposition of martial law was necessary to protect the country from forces undermining its liberal democratic values. He accused opposition lawmakers of being “anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime” and paralyzing governance for their own political gain. He further claimed that the opposition was focused on impeachment proceedings, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice, rather than addressing the nation’s needs.
“Our National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship that seeks to paralyze the judicial and administrative systems and overturn our liberal democratic order,” Yoon said. He expressed grave concern over the opposition’s actions, particularly its decision to slash 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from his proposed budget for 2024, which included cuts to essential services like public safety and combating drug crimes.
Yoon criticized the opposition’s move to reduce funding for key national functions, including the prosecution, police, and audit agencies. He warned that these actions could transform South Korea into a “drug haven” and lead to a breakdown of public security. The cuts were made by the opposition-majority National Assembly, which approved a significantly downsized budget plan through a parliamentary committee last week.
In his address, Yoon emphasized that martial law was imposed to ensure the survival of a liberal South Korea, assuring the public that the move would not affect the country’s foreign policy or international relations. “I will restore the country to normalcy by getting rid of anti-state forces as soon as possible,” he added, without providing further details on the measures to be taken under martial law.
As part of the emergency declaration, military units across South Korea have been placed on heightened alert, strengthening their readiness in light of the ongoing threats from North Korea. The entrance to the National Assembly has been sealed, and members of parliament (MPs) have been barred from entering the building.
This dramatic action by President Yoon comes as his approval ratings have plummeted to just 19 percent in a recent Gallup poll. Public dissatisfaction has been fueled by his handling of the economy and ongoing controversies involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
The situation remains tense, with critics warning that the imposition of martial law could further deepen political divides and spark protests against the government’s increasingly authoritarian approach. However, Yoon has defended the decision as a necessary step to safeguard the country’s democratic principles amid a crisis of governance.
Sources By Agencies
