South Korea's Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law, Accuses Opposition of 'Anti-State Activities'

SEOUL, Dec 3 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday, accusing the nation's opposition of paralysing the government with "anti-state activities plotting rebellion."

"The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and protecting the constitutional order of freedom," Yonhap news agency quoted Yoon as saying in the televised address.

This decision came after the opposition Democratic Party (DP) railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.

Yoon said the decision to declare martial law was aimed at "rebuilding and safeguarding" the nation, which he described as facing significant challenges.

While the declaration might cause "some inconvenience" to citizens, Yoon vowed to "normalise" the country swiftly, saying the government remains committed to its foreign policy of fulfilling its responsibilities within the international community.

Yoon highlighted that 22 impeachment motions have been filed against government officials since his inauguration in May 2022, with the opposition pursuing its 10th impeachment effort since the 22nd National Assembly convened in June.

He characterised the move as an "unprecedented" situation in the country's history and in global politics, alleging that these actions have significantly hampered the executive branch's function.

Concerning the downsized budget bill, Yoon said the reductions would undermine the government's essential functions, including drug crime prevention and public safety measures, saying it has pushed the country toward becoming a "haven for drugs and left public safety in a state of crisis."

Yoon accused the DP of using budget bills and impeachment motions as a political tool to shield DP leader Lee Jae Myung from prosecution, who is facing several trials.

"The National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, paralysing the judicial and administrative systems and attempting to overthrow the free democratic system through legislative dictatorship," he said.

Under the Constitution, the president can declare martial law in response to military needs during times of war, armed conflict, a national emergency, or when public safety and order require it.

Such a declaration would allow for restrictions on certain freedoms, including those related to the press, publication, assembly and the powers of the government or courts.

Martial law, however, can be lifted if a majority of the National Assembly (NA) demands its termination.

With 170 seats in the 300-member parliament, the DP can revoke martial law with a majority vote.

Shortly after Yoon's address, the DP called in its lawmakers urgently to the NA. Currently, access to the assembly is blocked.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP