Desk:In a dramatic move, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and alleged anti-state activities by the opposition party. In a televised address to the nation, Yoon accused the opposition of prioritizing impeachment efforts and protecting its leader over the nation’s well-being, claiming the step was necessary to safeguard South Korea from communist forces.
Yoon stated, “To protect South Korea from the dangers posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements, I declare emergency martial law.” He further added, “The opposition party has crippled governance, focusing solely on impeachment, special investigations, and shielding its leader from justice, with no regard for the livelihoods of our people.”
This unprecedented announcement comes amid an ongoing standoff between Yoon’s ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. Last week, opposition lawmakers pushed through a significantly reduced budget plan in a parliamentary committee, escalating tensions.
The president accused opposition lawmakers of cutting vital budget allocations, including those for anti-drug campaigns and public safety programs. “Our National Assembly has become a refuge for criminals and a hub for dictatorial tendencies seeking to paralyze judicial and administrative systems,” Yoon said.
Yoon warned that these budget cuts have jeopardized public safety and created an environment ripe for drug-related crimes, leading to chaos in the country.
The move has stunned the nation, as it underscores the deepening political rift between the ruling and opposition parties in South Korea.