South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing opposition parties of undermining the government, sympathizing with North Korea, and paralyzing the nation’s legislative process.
The announcement, made during a televised address, signals a dramatic escalation in the country’s political turmoil.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said. He added that the measure was necessary to protect the nation’s free and constitutional order.
He did not say in the address what specific measures would be taken.
Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, of holding the government hostage through its actions. He pointed to the party’s recent motion to impeach top prosecutors and its rejection of a government budget proposal as contributing to the crisis.
Since taking office in May 2022, Yoon has faced resistance from the opposition-controlled National Assembly. In his address, he argued that martial law was essential to safeguard the Republic of Korea’s freedoms and protect against what he described as threats from “pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”
Opposition allegations spark controversy
The announcement comes months after the liberal opposition, led by the Democratic Party of Korea, accused Yoon of plotting to impose martial law to sidestep impeachment over alleged abuse of power. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung had warned that martial law could lead to “a perfect dictatorship,” pointing to historical precedents of its misuse.
In response, Yoon’s office had dismissed these allegations as “fabricated propaganda” and had accused the opposition of spreading falsehoods to manipulate public opinion. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo had also refuted the claims, emphasizing that South Koreans would not accept such a move.
Heightened tensions
The strained relationship between Yoon and the opposition reached a breaking point earlier when Yoon became the first president since 1987 to skip the opening ceremony of a new parliamentary term. His office cited ongoing parliamentary probes and impeachment threats as the reason for his absence.
Opposition lawmakers claim that Yoon had undermined democratic processes by using his veto power against parliamentary bills and appointing loyalists to key military positions, fueling speculation about his intentions.
Political polarization
The martial law declaration has further polarized South Korea’s political landscape. Experts warn that the deepening divide could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
“This confrontation has turned into a political war,” said Choi Jin, head of the Institute for Presidential Leadership. “It’s an all-or-nothing battle that benefits no one.”
Jhee Byong-kuen, a political science professor at Chosun University, criticized Yoon’s uncompromising leadership style, saying it exacerbates polarization and public disillusionment.