President Yoon Suk Yeol has accused the opposition of plotting a “rebellion”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. © South Korea Unification Ministry via AP South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition, which is sympathetic to the North, of “anti-state” activities. ”The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom,” Yoon said. According to the Yonhap news agency, the Defense Ministry has put the military on full alert. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has slammed the move as “unconsitutional.” The development comes as the Democratic Party shot down Yoon’s 2025 budget bill last week and has been calling for probes into several scandals surrounding the president’s wife and senior officials. 03 December 2024 15:28 GMT Footage circulating on social media appears to show police clashing with civilians and members of the national assembly who are unable to enter the building. 🚨 Access to South Korea's parliament blocked, members unable to enter https://t.co/MOguLWeCWopic.twitter.com/NuGRAiST93 — Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) December 3, 2024 In a televised speech, Yoon promised to “rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea” which he said has been “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He vowed to “eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country” and asked people to tolerate “some inconveniences,” according to AP. Yonhap news agency has reported that the South Korean military has announced the suspension of all parliamentary activity, with members of the National Assembly apparently banned from entering the building. More
