South Korea’s President Declares Martial Law Citing Threat of Pro-North Korean Forces
Members of Yoon Suk Yeol’s own ruling party say they will try to block the move that halts certain political activities
SEOUL—South Korea’s president declared martial law, telling his country in a televised address Tuesday night that opposition parties had made the country vulnerable to North Korean “communist forces.”
Yoon Suk Yeol, a conservative who took office in 2022, accused the opposition party, which controls the country’s National Assembly, of holding the country hostage. He cited the rejection of a budget proposal and impeachment cases against South Korea’s top prosecutors as threats to the country’s constitutional order.
“The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom,” the 63-year-old Yoon said.
Members of Yoon’s own ruling conservative People Power Party said they would seek to block the move—the first declaration of martial law since 1980 when South Korea was under military rule. The opposition Democratic Party, which can request a lifting of martial law, called for an emergency meeting at the National Assembly late Tuesday after Yoon’s address.
The martial law command proclaimed that any political activities by South Korea’s unicameral, 300-seat parliament are banned, as well as nationwide curtailment of rallies and protests. It also calls on all medical personnel to return to work within 48 hours, among other measures.
By law, the National Assembly can lift martial law through a majority vote and requires the president to comply. The opposition Democratic Party enjoys majority control with 170 seats.
But access to the National Assembly building, where a vote could take place, appeared to be limited with the entrance guarded by police, according to local news footage.