SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A significant political upheaval has gripped South Korea as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared "emergency martial law" amid accusations against the opposition of undermining the government. During his announcement on Tuesday, Yoon asserted the opposition has aligned itself with North Korea and has been engaging in anti-state activities, effectively paralyzing the country's government.
Yoon's declaration came during a televised address, where he pledged to eradicate the forces he claims are detrimental to the constitutional democratic order. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” the president declared, asking citizens for their trust even as he acknowledged the potential for some public inconveniences during the implementation of martial law.
This unexpected move drew immediate backlash from various political figures, including Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon's own conservative party, who condemned the declaration as "wrong" and promised to counter it alongside the populace. Meanwhile, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost the presidential race to Yoon back in 2022, labeled the announcement as "illegal and unconstitutional." He struck back against Yoon's allegations, emphasizing the need for democracy.
Critics have pointed out the timing of the president's declaration coincided with mounting dissatisfaction over his leadership— evidenced by his plummeting approval ratings, which recently dropped to 19%. Many citizens have expressed concerns over his handling of economic issues, compounded by controversies surrounding his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party found itself entangled in continuous conflict with the liberal opposition, particularly over discussions surrounding next year’s budget bill. The Democratic Party has also been vocal about trying to impeach several key prosecutors linked to investigations concerning their leader, Lee, potentially serving as fuel for Yoon's narrative of anti-state sentiments.
Back across international waters, Russia's embassy issued warnings to its citizens residing in South Korea, advising them to stay away from any mass gatherings after the introduction of martial law. They urged them to remain calm and adhere to instructions from local authorities. “We urge Russian citizens to refrain from participating in mass events, particularly those of a political nature,” the embassy urged.
President Yoon justified his emergency powers by emphasizing the necessity to protect what he termed as “a liberal South Korea” from the threats posed by North Korean influence, which has again become front and center following North Korea's recent missile test launches. This martial law, Yoon asserted, was necessary to safeguard against the "communist forces" he believes threaten South Korean freedoms.
With Yoon's martial law now enacted, military units across South Korea have heightened their states of readiness, reflecting the country’s precarious position as it is still technically at war with North Korea. The National Assembly was sealed, preventing lawmakers from accessing the building—a move emblematic of Yoon's unprecedented consolidation of control.
Political analysts believe the political fallout from this declaration could have lasting effects not only on South Korean governance but could potentially influence diplomatic relations as well, including the already complex dynamics surrounding North Korea. While Yoon has promised not to affect foreign policy, the international community remains cautious as they navigate this sudden authoritarian shift within South Korea.
The Kremlin's foreign ministry spokesperson cast doubt on potential Western reactions to South Korea's recent developments. Maria Zakharova speculated whether Western countries would impose sanctions on Seoul, drawing parallels with Georgia’s political unrest. These remarks reveal concerns over the international repercussions and reactions to Yoon’s controversial moves.
The unrest sparked by President Yoon's declaration has reverberated across the globe, raising concerns among neighboring countries and allies about stability and governance within South Korea, highlighting the delicate balance of power and the potential ramifications of such significant political maneuvers.
