South Korea Stunned by Sudden Martial Law Declaration
Seoul, South Korea –
In a dramatic move that sent shockwaves through the nation, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday. The unexpected decision, announced in a somber televised address, stems from Yoon’s accusations of "revolutionary planning activities" and "anti-state activities" within the opposition Democratic Party (PD).
Yoon, whose People’s Power Party (PPP) holds a minority in the National Assembly, characterized the PD as "pro-North Korean forces" threatening the constitutional order. "The news comes after the PD approved general budgets for 2025 with several cuts," explained the president, highlighting recent tensions with the opposition.
The declaration has triggered immediate repercussions. General Park An-su, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), has been appointed as head of martial law. The government has effectively shut down the National Assembly and halted all political party activities, according to Yonhap agency. Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has ordered a stringent review of military readiness, signaling a heightened state of alert.
Images captured by news networks show police enforcing roadblocks around the National Assembly, preventing access to lawmakers.
The international community is closely watching the unfolding situation. This unprecedented move raises serious questions about the stability of South Korea’s democracy and its relationship with its northern neighbor. While the full extent of the martial law declaration remains unclear, its impact will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for South Korea and the wider region.
