South Korea in Chaos After President Declares Martial Law
Seoul, South Korea – A wave of fear and confusion has swept over South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s shocking declaration of martial law, plunging the nation into political turmoil.
Late Tuesday, Yoon announced the move in a televised address, citing the need to protect the country from perceived threats from North Korea and eliminate what he called "anti-state elements." This dramatic move was swiftly blocked by lawmakers, but not before sparking widespread panic and uncertainty.
“It feels like a coup d’état in Myanmar is happening here in Korea. I’m worried,” Seoul resident Ra Ji-soo told the BBC, adding that she had heard helicopters patrolling her neighborhood late that night.
Adding to the sense of unease, Ra Ji-soo said a friend in the police force had received an emergency mobilization order and was rushed to their station.
Images showed a heavy police presence outside the National Assembly building in the Yeongdeungpo District, with scuffles breaking out between police and protesters who gathered to denounce the move.
"How can someone who says he serves the country be so careless in acting on his whim,” lamented Don Jung Kang, a small business owner. “My business is going to take a terrible hit. Just because of his words, the currency has crashed… It will seriously affect importing materials.”
Opposition leaders immediately called for public resistance, drumming up support for demonstrations outside the Legislature. Protesters echoed their leader’s call, chanting “no to martial law” and “strike down dictatorship".
The government’s suspension of parliamentary activities further fueled anxieties regarding a possible pull towards authoritarianism.
"President Yoon’s attempt to restrict everyone’s freedom and right to express their concerns and judgement towards the government frightens me,” confided a Seoul resident who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m scared South Korea will become another North Korea."
Kim Mi-rim, another resident of Seoul, shared a similar fear. "I’ve packed an emergency kit," she revealed, "fearing things might escalate." Memories of past instances of martial law, with arrests and imprisonment, weighed heavily on her mind.
Journalists in Seoul are shrouded in uncertainty, hurriedly coordinating and sharing advice on staying safe as if martial law remains in effect. Under such circumstances, even media activity would fall under strict control.
But amidst the chaos, some remained bewildered by the sudden declaration.
“The streets look normal, people here are certainly bewildered,” observed John Nilsson-Wright, an associate professor at the University of Cambridge, speaking to the BBC from Seoul.
Universtiy student Juye Hong echoed this sentiment. “My family and friends are frantically texting, trying to make sense of this situation, which feels like being thrown into a complete nightmare. The lack of clarity makes this even more distressing,” she expressed.
With unsettling reports circulating about tanks and soldiers being deployed across the city, Juye and other young South Koreans are left grappling with the potential ramifications of the unfolding situation.
The future of South Korea hangs in the balance as the nation confronts this unprecedented political crisis.
