South Korea in crisis as President declares martial law

December 3, 2024 – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday night, plunging the country into crisis. In an unexpected televised address, Yoon blamed opposition parties for obstructing the parliamentary process and vowed to fight "anti-state pro-North Korean forces."

Parliament quickly reacted, with 190 lawmakers voting to reject the declaration. Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung called the martial law "illegal," accusing Yoon’s supporters of violating the law.

Military forces intervened, reportedly halting parliamentary activities and taking control of the media. Yoon focused on internal political opponents, not external threats from North Korea.

This is the first time martial law has been declared in South Korea since 1980, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy. Former President Moon Jae-in called for unity to "save democracy."

The U.S. expressed deep concern, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell urging a peaceful resolution. Around 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, adding to the tension.

Protests erupted outside Parliament, with demonstrators chanting, “Withdraw martial law!”