South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law amid political tensions

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday (3 Dec), accusing the opposition of paralysing the government with anti-state activities and sympathising with North Korea.

The move, announced during a televised briefing, has raised concerns about its potential impact on governance and democracy.

President Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”

While specific details about the measures remain unclear, the declaration has escalated political tensions, with immediate reactions from opposition leaders and government agencies.

The opposition-controlled Democratic Party swiftly convened an emergency meeting of its lawmakers to discuss the announcement.

According to South Korean media reports, the party criticised Yoon’s claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun also called an urgent meeting of military commanders late Tuesday.

The Ministry of National Defense stated that all armed forces across the country had been placed on high alert in response to the president’s directive.

Yoon’s decision comes amid a prolonged political deadlock with the Democratic Party, which has obstructed his legislative agenda since he assumed office in 2022.

Recent disputes have centred on next year’s budget bill, with both sides unable to reach a compromise.

The president has also faced criticism over his handling of corruption allegations involving his wife and senior officials.

Calls for independent investigations into the scandals have been dismissed by Yoon, provoking sharp rebukes from opposition lawmakers and further straining relations between the two camps.

Yoon’s approval ratings have declined in recent months, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance.