South Korea declares emergency martial law for first time in 44 years; President Yoon cites ‘communist’ threat

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared emergency martial law, stating that the measure was essential to protect the country from "communist forces" amid ongoing parliamentary disputes over a budget bill.

It is the first time since 1980 that martial law was declared in South Korea. Yoon accused the opposition of controlling Parliament, sympathising with North Korea, and paralysing the government through ‘anti-state’ activities. 

The opposition Democratic Party has reportedly called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers after Yoon's decision. Around 28,500 US troops are also stationed in South Korea to guard against the North.

‘Threats posed by North Korea…’

In a televised address, Yoon explained to the nation, “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," reported AFP.

Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order”. While the president did not state the specific measures being taken, Yonhap news agency reported that the entrance to the parliament building was blocked.

Since taking office in 2022, President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced challenges in advancing his agenda due to an opposition-controlled Parliament.

South Korea parliament defies President's order 

Hours after the declaration, the Parliament voted to revoke the President's order, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik stating that lawmakers "will protect democracy with the people." Woo also called for the withdrawal of police and military personnel from the Assembly grounds, reported AFP.

Yoon's party leaders oppose move

President Yoon's emergency declaration quickly faced opposition from various politicians, including Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party. He called the decision "wrong" and pledged to "stop it with the people," reported The Guardian.

What the opposition party said

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in Parliament, stated in a livestream: “Tanks, armoured personnel carriers and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country. The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”

On Monday, South Korea's ministers criticised the Democratic Party's move to cut over 4 trillion won from the government's budget proposal. Yoon stated that this action undermined the essential functioning of government administration, reported AFP.