South Korea is now in a state of martial law after a surprise announcement from President Yoon Suk Yeol. He accused the National Assembly, which is run by a majority of the opposition Democratic Party, of being full of North Korean sympathizers and said they are trying to undermine the country’s liberal democracy.

According to CNN, Yeol “cited a motion by the opposition Democratic Party…to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal” and he said these Democrats are “turning the nation into a “drug haven” and creating a state of disorder detrimental to public safety and livelihood.”

Yeol added that their actions are “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.”

Here’s more from CNN:

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unannounced late-night TV address Tuesday, accusing the country’s main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.

Yoon did not say what specific measures would be taken. He cited a motion by the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.

Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.”

He describing martial law as a necessary measure to eradicate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces.” He justified the decision as essential to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass on a stable nation to future generations.

The parliament speaker is traveling to parliament and plans to convene a session, according to local broadcaster YTN TV. Yonhap news agency reported though that the entrance to parliament is blocked and lawmakers are unable to enter.

Yoon accused the opposition of turning the nation into a “drug haven” and creating a state of disorder detrimental to public safety and livelihood. He also said the Democratic Party was attempting to overthrow the liberal democratic system, declaring, “The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse.”

He assured the public, “We will eliminate the anti-state forces and restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible.” While acknowledging that martial law might cause some inconvenience, he promised efforts to minimize its impact on the public.

 
UPDATE: Below is the full declaration of martial law in South Korea:

“In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrowing the regime of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces active within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following is hereby declared throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024:

1. All political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, political associations, rallies and demonstrations, are prohibited.

2. All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda are prohibited.

3. All media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.

4. Strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos are prohibited.

5. All medical personnel, including trainee doctors, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to their jobs within 48 hours and work faithfully. Those who violate will be punished in accordance with the Martial Law.

6. Innocent ordinary citizens, excluding anti-state forces and other subversive forces, will be subject to measures to minimize inconvenience in their daily lives.

Violators of the above proclamation may be arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Authority of the Martial Law Commander), and will be punished in accordance with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act (Penalties).

Martial Law Commander, Army General Park An-su, Tuesday, December 3, 2024.”

It’s being reported that the National Assembly voted to block the martial law decree. But as of now, the military has entered parliament:

 
UPDATE 2 : It’s being reported that the parliament vote to block the martial law decree was 190-0. But that is out of a parliament of 300, and the remaining 110 support the president’s decree and boycotted the vote.

 
UPDATE 3: This is more video of the South Korea military entering the National Assembly building.

 
MAJOR UPDATE: South Korean soldiers and police seen leaving National Assembly building after parliament vote. Not sure if this means it’s over or not, but it kinda looks that way…

 
UPDATE 4: This was posted about 20 minutes ago…not sure if it is still valid:

 
UPDATE 5: According to the Times of India, “Helmeted troops attempted to enter the National Assembly early Wednesday, but lawmakers and parliamentary staff pushed them back, with some using fire extinguishers.”

I’m still looking for official word that this is over.