South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law — taking control of the national media and banning “political activities” — in an apparent reaction to the stalemate he faces with the opposition Democratic Party, as conflicts rise. protests in Seoul in front of the National Assembly.
Key data
Yoon said the move was to “defend the free Republic of Korea” from “North Korean communist forces and eradicate shameless pro-North Korean and anti-state forces” to “protect the free constitutional order.”
In a nationally televised speech, Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party of sympathizing with North Korea and using its majority in the National Assembly to oust members of his cabinet and block his budget plans.
Although parliament voted unanimously to lift the order by majority vote, something the Constitution says the president “must comply with,” South Korean military officials reportedly said it would remain in effect until Yoon lifts it himself.
Protests escalated in the hours after the decision, as thousands gathered in front of the National Assembly chanting “End martial law!” and calling for Yoon’s arrest, while armed martial law troops and police retreated from inside the building.
The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1980, during an uprising against the country’s then-military dictatorship.
The United States was not notified in advance of Yoon’s decision, said US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett, adding that the United States is “seriously concerned” about developments on the ground.
What does this mean for the public?
Yoon said in his speech that he would “cause some inconvenience to the good people who have believed in… the Constitution,” but that he would “focus on minimizing these inconveniences.” Park An-soo, an army general who was appointed martial law commander, has banned “all political activities,” including citizen demonstrations. In a new decree that also bans work activities and the spread of “fake news,” Park said “all media outlets and publications” would be subject to the martial law order. Arrests can be made without a warrant if the decree is violated, he said.
How have the markets reacted?
The won, South Korea’s currency, fell to its lowest level against the dollar in two years, down more than 1%. South Korean stocks and exchange-traded funds listed on the New York Stock Exchange, including Coupang and iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, also fell.
Chief Critic
“The declaration of martial law is wrong,” Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party, said on Facebook. “Together with the people, we will stop this,” he said. Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, said there was “no reason” for the statement and said Yoon “betrayed the people,” while urging the military not to follow the order.
