Yesterday at 21:35
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has declared martial law in the country.
This was reported by Yohnap.
According to him, the martial law was imposed to “eradicate forces loyal to North Korea and uphold constitutional order.”
The Yonhap news agency, citing military sources, reports that parliamentary activities and political parties will be banned, with media placed under military command.
President Yoon did not specify a direct threat from nuclear-armed North Korea but focused instead on his domestic political opponents. Yoon stated he had no choice but to take this measure to preserve free and constitutional order, accusing opposition parties of hijacking the parliamentary process to plunge the country into crisis.
The leader of the opposition Democratic Party declared that the president is no longer legitimate and called on citizens to rally outside the parliament.
Special forces are barring lawmakers and journalists from entering the parliament, which is now being occupied by military forces.
The South Korean won sharply declined against the U.S. dollar. A central bank official announced preparedness to stabilize the market if necessary.
Military vehicles have been spotted on the streets of Seoul, with corresponding photos circulating on social media.
All concerts and festivals in the country have been canceled due to the state of martial law.
At the same time, the South Korean Parliament passed resolution to revoke Martial Law.
All 190 lawmakers present voted in favor of the resolution calling for the cancellation of martial law. Simultaneously, military forces stormed the parliament building.
According to South Korea’s Constitution, the president must annul the martial law decree following a parliamentary vote.
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