South Korea's Yoon Declares Martial Law to Protect Against North Korean Threats

Dec 3, 2024, 01:50 PM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law, citing the need to protect the country from 'communist forces' in the North and to clear out pro-North Korea elements. This decision comes amidst political turmoil, with the government administration reportedly paralyzed due to opposition party conduct. The declaration follows a contentious period in the National Assembly, where voting on the 2025 budget was postponed, and the main opposition Democratic Party called for an emergency meeting in response to the martial law declaration. President Yoon has stated in an emergency speech that martial law is necessary to rebuild a free and democratic country and to protect the democratic order. The Ministry of National Defense has convened a meeting with high-ranking military commanders from all branches, indicating a significant military response to the situation.