By Amanda Castro, Billal Rahman, and Hannah Parry
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing increased pressure to step down after he imposed martial law on his country. Yoon lifted martial law just six hours after it was imposed today after his country's parliament voted against the plan. "I have accepted [the] decision made by the National Assembly to dissolve and lift the martial law," he said after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to lift the order. Now Yoon is facing growing calls to step down, with thousands of protesters calling for his impeachment. Cho Kuk, head of a minor South Korean opposition party, has vowed to work with other parties to impeach Yoon. Leader of the People Power Party, South Korea's ruling party, Han Dong-hoon, added that the president and everyone else involved with the political crisis "to be held accountable."
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Dec 03, 2024 at 07:58 PM EST
Heritage Foundation calls Yoon a ‘dead man walking’
The Heritage Foundation warned that President Yoon would be forced out of office within days - something they said could be bad news for the U.S.
Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies, told Fox Live Now that the South Korean president was a "dead man walking," referring to how long Yoon would be able to stay in office.
"The opposition party says he has 48 hours to resign or he'll be impeached."
He added that if Yoon is impeached, them South Korea may have a change in government, to one that "might not be in line" with U.S. interests.
Dec 03, 2024 at 07:49 PM EST
South Korea’s biggest union calls strike until Yoon step down
South Korea's largest union on Wednesday called an "indefinite general strike" until President Yoon Suk Yeol resigned
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which has 1.2 million members, accused Yoon of acting irrationally and anti-democratically after he declared martial law.
He has "declared the end of (his) own power," the union said in a statement, obtained by the Guardian.
Dec 03, 2024 at 07:36 PM EST
South Korea media criticizes Yoon’s martial law declaration
South Korea media has condemned President Yoon's surprise declaration of martial law.
The Chosun Ilbo, a conservative outlet and one of the oldest newspapers in Korea, published a scathing editorial saying that the declaration was a "national embarrassment" for democracy and "severely crossed the line."
An editorial in left-leaning newspaper, Hankyoreh, called the move a "betrayal" and warned that Yoon had "lost the minimum judgment and rationality required of a head of state".
Dec 03, 2024 at 07:09 PM EST
Can Yoon be impeached?
South Korea's National Assembly can impeach President Yoon if more than two-thirds of lawmakers vote for it.
Yoon's People Power Party controls just over a third of the seats in parliament, 108 of 300.
However, calls for Yoon's impeachment have been growing and even party leader Han Dong-hoo has called for everyone responsible for the declaration of martial law "to be held accountable."
Dec 03, 2024 at 06:46 PM EST
Ruling party leader demands everyone responsible for martial law are ‘held responsible’
Leader of the People Power Party, South Korea's ruling party, has called for everyone responsible for the declaration of martial law "to be held accountable."
Han Dong-hoon called President Yoon Seok Yeol's declaration, and then reversal, of martial law "tragic" and said "the president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation."
He added, in televised remarks, that "all those responsible must be held strictly accountable".
Dec 03, 2024 at 06:24 PM EST
Calls for Yoon to step down are growing
Cho Kuk, head of a minor South Korean opposition party, joined protesters calling for President Yoon to step down after he declared martial law.
"This isn't over," he said, as he joined hundreds of demonstrators holding up signs demanding Yoon is impeached and leaves office.
"The president is a dangerous being ... threatening democracy and constitution."
Kuk has vowed to work with other parties to impeach Yoon.
Dec 03, 2024 at 05:52 PM EST
Americans warned to avoid South Korea protests
The U.S Embassy in South Korea has advised Americans to avoid the protests taking place after President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law order and reversal today.
"The situation remains fluid," the embassy said in an alert today. "U.S. citizens should anticipate potential disruptions.
"You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large crowds, gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.:
The embassy also said it was canceling routine consular appointments and would limit the number of U.S. Embassy children attending school in person.
Dec 03, 2024 at 05:32 PM EST
Gov. Murphy hopes for ‘lasting stability’ in South Korea as he touts close relationship between nations
Governor Phil Murphy said today he hopes for "lasting stability" in South Korea after martial law was declared.
"New Jersey is home to a growing Korean American community and has deep economic and cultural ties with South Korea," he said on X.
"I am hopeful for a peaceful resolution to South Korea's political crisis and for lasting stability across the country."
Dec 03, 2024 at 05:13 PM EST
White House ‘relieved’ that Yoon reversed decision on martial law
A National Security Council spokesperson has said that the White House was "relieved" after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted martial law in his country, just six hours after it was declared.
"We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the [South Korean] National Assembly's vote to end it," the spokesperson said
"Democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.[South Korean] alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation."
President Joe Biden has not yet commented on the political situation in South Korea today, aside from confirming he had been briefed.
Dec 03, 2024 at 04:55 PM EST
IN PICTURES: South Korea’s six-hour political crisis
Pictures from Seoul show how South Koreans reacted to their President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law today.
Thousands gathered in front of the National Assembly to demand Yeol steps down in president after he lifted the law following intense pressure and a parliament vote.
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Dec 03, 2024 at 04:39 PM EST
Opposition politician calls on President Yeol to step down
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The floor leader of South Korea's opposition Democratic Party has called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down over his martial law declaration.
Park Chan-dae warned that Yeol would not be able to avoid a treason charge over his actions and demanded he "step down immediately."
Dec 03, 2024 at 04:29 PM EST
Yeol formally lifts martial law as troops are returned to military units
President Yoon Suk Yeol has formally lifted martial law in a cabinet meeting early Wednesday, local time.
Troops that had been mobilized under martial law have now returned to their units.
The law was lifted just six hours after it was declared, the South Korean government reports.
Dec 03, 2024 at 04:19 PM EST
Korean Americans react to political drama
South Koreans across America have been shocked by President Yoon's unexpected declaration of martial law today.
Jongjoon Kim, 56, who moved to the U.S. in 1998, told the New York Times that the political situation in Seoul was "kind of shameful."
He added that since he'd left, South Korea had greatly advanced, becoming economically successful, with phenomenon like K-Pop becoming an international hit.
"I don't know why the politics is going back to the '80s," Kim said.
Chang Yul Lee, the deputy editor of the Washington edition of The Korea Times, said that every expat he'd spoken to, whether conservative or progressive, agreed, "the president is crazy."
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:59 PM EST
WATCH: Vedant Patel speak of concerns U.S. had for South Korea martial law while in effect
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel answered reporters' questions about the situation in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law during the State Department's daily press conference.
The chief deputy spokesman asked American people in South Korea to keep an eye on updates from the US Embassy on the situation.
This came before President Yoon lifted martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:51 PM EST
People Power Party leader looking for martial law explanation
The head of Yoon Suk Yeol's party has asked South Korea's president to explain his decision to declare martial law and has demanded that the country's defense minister be removed from his position.
"As the ruling party, we feel deeply sorry to the public," People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said in a statement.
"The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation," Dong-hoon said. "The minister of defense, who recommended this martial law, should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable."
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:40 PM EST
Protesters remain outside South Korea parliament building
Groups of protesters remained outside the South Korean parliament building in the early hours of Wednesday, local time, as President Yoon Suk Yeol promises to lift martial law.
Crowds began to gather after Yeol first declared martial law.
Protesters carried flags and signs, some of which calling for Yoon's impeachment.
Now Yeol has announced he will lift martial law, the crowd may begin to dissipate but there are growing calls for the president to step down.
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:29 PM EST
More context on December 3rd’s martial law declaration
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President Yoon Suk Yeol proclaimed emergency martial law, blaming the opposition for crippling the administration with "anti-state activities," but the National Assembly lifted the order hours later. This action is the first proclamation of emergency martial law in South Korea since 1979.
The unexpected-to-many declaration came after the opposition Democratic Party (DP) pushed through a reduced budget plan in the parliamentary budget committee and filed impeachment procedures against a state auditor and the top prosecutor.
According to the Constitution, the president may declare martial rule in response to military necessities during times of war, armed conflict, national emergency, or when public safety and order need it, Yonhap news agency reported.
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:28 PM EST
Rep. Ryan says South Korea shows we need ‘qualified, nonpartisan’ leaders, unlike Pete Hegseth
Rep. Pat Ryan said today he was very encouraged to see Yoon Suk Yeol accepting the decision of his parliament - but warned that the unrest showed America needs strong leaders of its own.
"I'm very encouraged by what appears to be the backing down of the president," said Ryan, a veteran who serves on the Armed Services Committee, on CNN today.
"I'm optimistic we'll make it through what appears to be a turbulent time there."
He warned that with conflicts and unrest across the globe, America needed to have qualified and nonpartisan leaders.
"Volatility now, in the Asian Pacific, in Ukraine in Europe, the Middle East including in the past few days in Syria, we need leaders, cabinet secretaries, who are serious, qualified and non partisan," he said.
"Just the coverage of Mr Hegseth is incredibly concerning," he said, referring to Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth.
"I think this should not be seen through a partisan lens."
He called on GOP members to break party lines and refuse to confirm Hegseth as secretary.
"Will a few Republican senators not behave as partisans, but act as patriots and think about our troops?" he asked.
Dec 03, 2024 at 03:16 PM EST
Yoon to meet with cabinet
President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea will meet with the cabinet to lift the martial law after one failed attempt today as it is early in the country.
They are set to meet as soon as possible.
Dec 03, 2024 at 02:54 PM EST
President Yoon will lift martial law
President Yoon Suk Yeol said in a public address that he would lift martial law after only hours of the parliament shooting the plan down.
"I have accepted decision made by the National Assembly to dissolve and lift the martial law," he said.
Dec 03, 2024 at 02:19 PM EST
Martial law declaration ‘was a complete shock’: journalist Kenneth Choi
In an interview with Christiane Amanpour on CNN, journalist Kenneth Choi said that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law "was a complete shock," adding that "nobody expected" the news to come.
Dec 03, 2024 at 02:03 PM EST
Keep a close eye on North Korea who may try to exploit the South’s instability, warns ex-special envoy
South Korea and the U.S. should keep a close eye on North Korea as it may try to take advantage of the current situation, a former special envoy warned.
"We need to keep our eyes focused on North Korea and whether they will see an opportunity to exploit this," Sydney Seiler, the former envoy to the Six Party Talks, which aims to end North Korea's nuclear program, told CNN.
Seiler said another crucial point to watch was how South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reacts to the National Assembly's vote to block his declaration of martial law, and whether he would accept it.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:59 PM EST
South Korean military says it will enforce martial law
The South Korean military has said that it will enforce martial law as long as President Yoon Suk Yeol maintains it.
The remarks came after parliament, controlled by the opposition, decided to lift martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:55 PM EST
Biden breaks silence on South Korea
President Joe Biden faced questions about the martial law declaration in South Korea today, as he attended an event at the National Museum of Slavery in Angola.
Biden had little to say on the events as he told reporters, "I'm just getting briefed on it."
Despite close ties between the U.S. and South Korea, the Biden administration was "not notified in advance" of the Korean president's declaration of martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:50 PM EST
Understanding martial law
Martial law refers to the temporary governance by military authorities during emergencies when civilian authorities are deemed unable to operate effectively.
This usually happens during extreme circumstances such as war, natural disasters, civil unrest, or political instability.
Its enforcement can have significant legal consequences, including the suspension of standard civil rights and the imposition of military law.
William Banks, Professor of Law Emeritus at Syracuse University College of Law told Newsweek: "Historically, martial law has been invoked when the national government is unable to enforce the laws in society. In effect martial law places the nation's military in charge, and the rules that might be put in place are subject only to the commanders' discretion.
"Martial law has only rarely been invoked in the United States, as it is viewed as an extreme measure for the most turbulent times. In the 18th century English legal scholar Blackstone wrote that martial law is in "reality no law, but something indulge rather than allowed as law."
Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:47 PM EST
U.S. watching South Korea martial law declaration ‘with grave concern’
The US is watching developments in South Korea "with grave concern," the deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell said Tuesday.
"The president, the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State, have all been briefed on developments, and are being kept appraised of the situation as it unfolds," Campbell said in a press conference at the State Department.
He added that the United States alliance with South Korea remains "ironclad" and he had "every hope and expectation that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law."
"We stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty," he said.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:40 PM EST
Arrest teams reportedly entered political offices near National Assembly
Arrest Teams have entered Political Offices near the National Assembly in Seoul, with Warrants reportedly filed for Lee Jae-myung, Leader of the Democratic Party of South Korea; Han Dong-hoon, Leader of the People's Power Party; and Woo Won-shik, Leader of the National Assembly, according to a post on X.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:35 PM EST
Leather chairs used as barricade at National Assembly
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Leather chairs were used as a barricade inside the National Assembly as a result of the protests following the declaration of an emergency martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:26 PM EST
Dozens of tourists go missing in South Korea
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South Korean officials said Tuesday that they are searching for over three dozen Vietnamese tourists who vanished last month shortly before their scheduled return, local media reported.
The missing tourists were part of a group of 90 who arrived at South Korea's premier resort island, Jeju, after departing the southern Vietnamese city of Nha Trang on a chartered flight operated by VietJet Air on November 14.
The visitors were traveling under a visa-free program that allows nationals from Vietnam and 64 other countries to stay on Jeju Island for up to 30 days. This means the group had until December 14 to remain there legally, Seoul's Yonhap News Agency cited immigration officials as saying.
However, before their journey home, 38 members of the group vanished during the final stop of their itinerary, leaving only 52 passengers to board the return flight. Authorities have been reviewing surveillance camera footage in their efforts to locate the missing tourists.
Read the full story by Micah McCartney on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 01:13 PM EST
Martial law is a rare, extreme measure for ‘turbulent times’, says law professpr
A law professor has warned that martial law is an "extreme" response that has only been used in "turbulent times."
William Banks, Professor of Law Emeritus at Syracuse University College of Law told Newsweek: "Historically, martial law has been invoked when the national government is unable to enforce the laws in society. In effect martial law places the nation's military in charge, and the rules that might be put in place are subject only to the commanders' discretion.
"Martial law has only rarely been invoked in the United States, as it is viewed as an extreme measure for the most turbulent times. In the 18th century English legal scholar Blackstone wrote that martial law is in "reality no law, but something indulge rather than allowed as law."
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:57 PM EST
South Korean currency slumps after martial law declared
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The South Korean won plunged sharply against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, hitting a two-year low after an unexpected address by President Yoon Suk Yeol in which he declared emergency martial law.
The South Korean leader has also accused opposition lawmakers of effectively seizing control of the National Assembly, pushing the country into a deep political crisis.
According to NBC, the dollar surged by as much as 2.7 percent against the won before paring some of its gains.
The won's rapid decline began around 10:30 p.m. local time, shortly after Yoon's announcement. By 10:53 p.m., the currency had depreciated to 1,430.0, a drop of 28.7 won from the previous day's close.
Read in full from Shamim Chowdhurry on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:49 PM EST
US embassy and State Department ‘closely tracking’ martial law declaration
The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul "are closely tracking President Yoon's recent declaration of martial law," U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg said Tuesday.
He added, in a post on X, that, "The situation is fluid."
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:41 PM EST
South Korea instability could affect U.S. military power
Instability in South Korea could affect America's own military and economic power, a military analyst has warned.
Cedric Leighton called the declaration of martial law in South Korea "a dangerous moment," on CNN.
"Any instability in South Korea is currently going to affect our ability to project power from a military standpoint in the Indo-Pacific," he told the network.
"This mark of instability is something that is not only deeply concerning, but it could have an impact on world markets. It could have an impact on our ability to conduct military operations, not only in Asia, but other parts of the world as well," he said.
He added that the U.S. had lots of economic and business ties with South Korea.
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:35 PM EST
Martial law is ‘extreme’ and undermines Korea’s democracy, warns expert
The declaration of martial law is an "extreme move that undermines Korea's democratic institutions," an expert has warned.
Celeste Arrington, the Korea Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, told Newsweek that it also revealed tensions between the opposition-lead National Assembly and the Korean president.
"It shows how frustrated President Yoon Suk-yeol has grown with the National Assembly, which the opposition party has controlled for his entire time in office since 2022," she said.
"Recently, the legislators have been at loggerheads with the president over the government's budget and the opposition party's repeated efforts to impeach key government figures. But the declaration of martial law reveals a lack of the forbearance and mutual tolerance that scholars say is critical for a functioning democracy."
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:24 PM EST
South Korea’s martial law ‘not linked to North Korea attack fears’
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Tuesday is about the domestic political situation rather than any fear of imminent attack by North Korea, an official in his office told Newsweek.
Yoon faces numerous challenges from the opposition Democratic Party, which has been seeking to impeach top prosecutors, and the chief auditor has rejected a government budget proposal as the president seeks to implement domestic reforms. His approval rating had sunk to 19 percent.
"It's a mainly domestic situation. He believed he cannot run the government as usual," the official in Yoon's office told Newsweek, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The declaration of martial law was broadly criticized by Korea's Democratic Party and by Yoon's own People Power Party. The party's leader, Han Dong-hoon, called martial law "wrong," vowing: "We will stop it along with the people."
Read in full from Ellie Cook and Matthew Tostevin on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 12:01 PM EST
How often has the US declared martial law? Amid South Korea’s move
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday, citing the need to eliminate "anti-state" forces and accusing the opposition-controlled parliament of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
The move, reminiscent of South Korea's authoritarian era in the 1980s, was swiftly condemned by both the opposition and leaders within Yoon's conservative party.
Following the declaration, South Korea's military announced the suspension of parliament and other political gatherings deemed to cause "social confusion," according to Yonhap News Agency.
The duration of martial law remains uncertain, as South Korean law allows parliament to lift it with a majority vote, which the opposition Democratic Party could enforce.
Amid South Korea's recent decision to declare martial law in response to escalating tensions, many Americans are questioning how frequently and under what circumstances such powers have been exercised in the United States.
While martial law is relatively rare, its history in the U.S. is marked by moments of crisis, from civil unrest to natural disasters.
Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:57 AM EST
South Korean opposition party representative had to jump over a barrier to access assembly
Rep. Lee Seong-yoon of South Korea's biggest opposition party talked to the BBC from the main Assembly Hall, where he was waiting for the vote to begin, saying that he had to jump over a 1.5m (4.9ft) tall barrier to get access to the assembly since police had barred him from entering despite his identity as a legislator.
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:50 AM EST
Celebrations amid parliament blocking martial law in South Korea
People were seen celebrating in footage captured following the parliament's decision to block martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:35 AM EST
National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik’s office issues statement
Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik released a statement related to the martial law declaration.
"Dear citizens, this is the Speaker of the National Assembly. In response to the President's declaration of martial law, the National Assembly will take appropriate measures in accordance with constitutional procedures.
"We ask the citizens to trust the National Assembly and calmly observe the situation. All members of the National Assembly are requested to convene in the main assembly hall immediately.
"In particular, we urge military and police forces to remain calm and maintain their positions."
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:33 AM EST
Protestors clash with police
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South Korean protesters have clashed with police outside the National Assembly after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, alleging that the opposition party was exerting control over parliament, expressing support for North Korea, and conducting activities that weaken the government.
The protests erupted after the president announced the controversial move, with angry demonstrators gathering in large numbers to voice their opposition to the government's decision.
Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:25 AM EST
How will North Korea respond to South Korea’s martial law?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pointed the finger at North Korea and the opposition in his surprise declaration of martial law during an unannounced television address to his country on Tuesday night, December 3.
Yoon told South Koreans martial law was necessary to "safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements," taking aim at the Democratic Party, his liberal opposition.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's conservative People Power Party, called the president's declaration of martial law "wrong" and pledged to "stop it with the people" as protestors took to the streets. Parliament voted against martial law in a late-night session.
The under-pressure president has struggled to deliver on his platform. His approval rating is its lowest since his inauguration and his party suffered a major loss in parliamentary elections to those he now accuses of harboring pro-North Korean sympathies.
With the shock declaration of martial law, and Yoon's references to Kim Jong Un's North Korea, Newsweek asked experts how Pyongyang would respond. This is what they said.
Read the full story by Shane Croucher on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 11:23 AM EST
UK Embassy ‘closely monitoring’ situation in South Korea
The United Kingdom Embassy in South Korea said they are "closely monitoring" the situation.
"We are closely monitoring the developing situation following a declaration of martial law in South Korea. Please monitor FCDO travel advice and register for updates."
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:56 AM EST
Political activities banned in South Korea, says martial law commander Park An-su
Following the imposition of martial law, all political activities in South Korea were prohibited, and all media outlets would be monitored by the government, according to martial law commander Park An-su, via Barrons, citing AFP.
"All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited," he said.
Then, he added, "All media and publications shall be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command."
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:52 AM EST
Seoul mayor opposes martial law
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon opposes martial law and calls for it to be lifted.
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:43 AM EST
Protestors urge police to ‘open the door’ at the National Assembly
Protestors at the National Assembly are demanding that police "open the door," while also warning them, saying, "You are going to regret this. This is a sin that will go down the history," according to a journalist on the scene.
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:36 AM EST
White House National Security says Biden Administration is ‘monitoring’ situation in South Korea
A White House National Security spokesperson said that U.S. President Joe Biden is aware of the situation in South Korea and that he has been in contact with its government.
The spokesperson said that Biden "is monitoring the situation closely."
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:29 AM EST
IN PICTURES: Protestors try to enter National Assembly
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Police stood guard in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:27 AM EST
South Korea declaring martial law explained—what we know
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, accusing the opposition party of controlling parliament, showing sympathy toward North Korea, and undermining the government through anti-state activities.
South Korea is focused on the security challenges posed by North Korea, which aligns itself with Russia. Pyongyang has sent troops to reinforce Moscow's troops engaged in conflict with Ukraine's forces.
Yoon made the announcement during a televised briefing, vowing to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order."
"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 said in a live televised address.
Lee Jae-myung, the head of South Korea's opposition Democratic Party, has described the proclamation of martial law as unconstitutional.
Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:24 AM EST
Protestors try to enter National Assembly
Airborne forces are attempting to penetrate the back gate of the National Assembly, Marine Corps Reserve Regiment Director of External Cooperation Kim Hongtae shared on X.
Dec 03, 2024 at 10:14 AM EST
South Korea won takes hit against U.S. dollar after martial law declaration
South Korea's won plummeted dramatically against the US dollar on Tuesday, after President Yoon Suk Yeol's rumored declaration of emergency martial law.
The US dollar increased by 1.9% versus the won, which fell to a two-year low on the announcement, CNBC reports.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:55 AM EST
Decree of Martial Law in full
Today Korea has published the full decree of martial law from South Korea:
In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrow of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces that are lurking within the free Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following matters are hereby issued throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024.
The activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, as well as all political activities such as political associations, rallies, and demonstrations, are prohibited.
We prohibit any act that denies or attempts to overthrow the liberal democratic system, and prohibits fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda.
All press and publication are under the control of martial law.
Strikes, sabotage and gatherings that cause social disorder are prohibited.
All medical personnel who are on strike or leave the medical field, including specialist doctors, shall return to their duties within 48 hours and work faithfully, and any violators shall be punished in accordance with the Martial Law Act.
Measures shall be taken to minimize inconvenience to the general public, except for those who overthrow the regime such as anti-state forces.
Violators of the above decrees may be arrested, detained, and seized and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Martial Law Commander's Special Measures Authority), and shall be punished in accordance with Article 14 (Penalties) of the Martial Law Act.
2024.12.3.(Tue) Martial Law Commander Army Captain Park An-su
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:42 AM EST
Yoon’s recent struggles
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose support ratings have dropped considerably in recent months, has struggled to achieve his political program since his victory in 2022 because of opposition-controlled legislative obstruction, according to the Associated Press.
The president's conservative ruling party has fought with the liberal Democratic Party on next year's budget ratification. At the same time, Yoon Suk Yeol has rejected requests for an independent probe into issues involving his wife and high-ranking officials, prompting strong condemnation from opponents.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:38 AM EST
‘It’s an all-or-nothing battle that benefits no one’: Head of the Institute for Presidential Leadership
Experts have warned that the martial law declaration can further polarize SOuth Korea's political landscape, The Times of India reports.
"This confrontation has turned into a political war," said the head of the institute for presidential leadership, Choi Jin. "It's an all-or-nothing battle that benefits no one."
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:31 AM EST
Entry to South Korea’s parliament blocked
Footage was posted to X of authorities blocking access to South Korea's parliament.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:26 AM EST
Yoon’s decision criticized as ‘unconstitutional’
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Lee Jae-myung, the head of South Korea's opposition Democratic Party, has called the proclamation of martial law illegal, the Yonhap News Agency reports.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:21 AM EST
WATCH: ‘Not a soul’ on the streets of Seoul
A user on X captured footage of the empty streets of Central Seoul in South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared marshall law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:19 AM EST
What is martial law?
Many legal experts see martial law as the deployment of military forces to significantly aid or fully replace a country's normal legal system in times of emergency.
The amount of military assistance or activity utilized determines whether or not a particular usage of the military reaches to the level of martial law.
Dec 03, 2024 at 09:13 AM EST
South Korea declares emergency martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and engaging in anti-state activities that have paralyzed the government.
In a televised address, Yoon emphasized the necessity of this measure to defend the nation's constitutional order.
Yoon vowed to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order."
The immediate implications for governance and democracy remain uncertain.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has faced challenges advancing his agenda due to an opposition-controlled parliament.
Yoon's conservative People Power Party found itself at odds with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over the contentious 2024 budget bill.
The impasse deepened as Yoon dismissed mounting demands for independent investigations into scandals tied to his wife and high-ranking officials—an act that sparked swift and sharp criticism from his political adversaries.
In a swift response to Yoon's latest move, the Democratic Party convened an emergency meeting with its lawmakers.
Read the full story by Michael D. Carroll and John Feng on Newsweek.
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