The South Korean president declared martial law on December 3, 2024 during an unscheduled speech. According to him, the “North Korean communist forces” made several serious threats. The opposition parties have reportedly taken Parliament hostage.
Times are serious in Seoul. “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the vile pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order”, declared the head of state overnight.
South Korea's parliament was placed under seal on Tuesday according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency and helicopters landed on its roof after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
Martial law declared
“To protect liberal South Korea from threats posed by North Korean communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements […] I declare emergency martial law”specified the head of state.
He explained that the opposition parties had taken Parliament hostage. THE threat would be internal. The United States expressed its concerns after this announcement.
The opposition reacts
Helicopters landed on the roof of the parliament building in Seoul, according to live footage broadcast by television channels. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said enforcing martial law was “illegal”.
Adding: “Tanks, armored personnel carriers and soldiers armed with guns and knives will rule the country. The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irreparably. My fellow citizens, come to the National Assembly, if it pleases you.”
