What happened? South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law. In a speech broadcast live on television, he accused the country’s opposition of sympathizing with North Korea. The declared state of emergency aims to “eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order of freedom,” said Yoon. In parliament, the MPs present then voted for a resolution calling for the lifting of the martial law imposed, South Korean broadcasters reported.
What is the situation on site? As the official Yonhap news agency reported, access to the parliament, the National Assembly in Seoul, is currently blocked. In addition, all political activities, including protests and party actions, are prohibited. Martial law also restricts the activities of media and publishing houses. Details of Yoon’s allegations were not immediately known. Parliament Speaker Woo Won Shik called on the military and police to remain calm. All members of the National Assembly should meet in the plenary hall of the Parliament building.
1 / 4 In the speech broadcast live by broadcaster YTN, Yoon did not say what specific measures should be taken. The Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS
2 / 4 Demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building after the president’s announcement. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
3 / 4 There were tumultuous scenes inside the building. Yonhap via REUTERS
4 / 4 Members of South Korea’s largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, set up a barricade to prevent soldiers from entering the National Assembly. Reuters/YONHAP
What are the reactions to Yoon’s maneuvers? The opposition has sharply criticized the measures. According to a Yonhap report, opposition leader Lee Jae Myung described the declared martial law as “unconstitutional” and unfounded. Tanks and soldiers with rifles would soon control the country, Lee said, according to Yonhap. Criticism also came from Yoon’s government itself. The chairman of the ruling party, Han Dong Hoon, described martial law as “wrong”, according to local media reports. Han said they would “stop it together with the people.”
What are possible backgrounds? Yoon Suk Yeol has been under domestic political pressure for months. Recently, an alleged corruption scandal surrounding his wife has further depressed his popularity ratings. The incumbent party is also fighting with the opposition over the budget law for the coming year.
What does this mean for the Korean conflict? Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been increasing for months. Over the past two years, North Korea has significantly increased its missile tests and increased its rhetoric against the United States and South Korea. In addition, according to South Korean intelligence and the US Department of Defense, North Korea sent several thousand soldiers to Russia, where they are presumably being prepared for a mission against Ukraine.
How should the events be classified? According to SRF East Asia correspondent Samuel Emch, it is still unclear what effects the maneuver will have in Seoul. Yoon is currently politically paralyzed because the opposition has been in the majority in parliament since the elections this April. For example, budget negotiations for next year are blocked. “In addition, the opposition is now putting pressure on the government with impeachment proceedings against various cabinet members.” In his speech, Yoon asked the population to tolerate temporary inconveniences. However, the president’s approval ratings have recently fallen significantly, says Emch.
