NEW: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law, accusing the opposition party of “sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.” (CNN) “Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin.” “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country.” He asked people to believe him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Collin Rugg clip
NEW: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law, accusing the opposition party of “sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.” (CNN)
“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into… pic.twitter.com/PwzK8N9qxg
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 3, 2024
UPDATE: Following a parliamentary vote to lift martial law, South Korean military forces were seen withdrawing from the Parliament Building. Lawmakers are now preparing to bring impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, with rumors swirling of his potential arrest as early as tonight. The people in the streets are already calling for his arrest.
Tensions in South Korea have reached a boiling point as the opposition leader declares a coup, proclaiming, “Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer the president of South Korea.” Chaos unfolds as protesters clash with special forces, gunfire echoes through the streets, and military vehicles flood into the capital. The South Korean military is seizing control of key government buildings, replacing local police, while special forces have stormed the parliament building. A civil war is not off the table.
This is insane – South Korean military is now breaking into Parliament Parliament just voted unanimously to end martial law The military has said that it will “suspend” parliament if it causes “social confusion” This is a dystopian situation
This is insane – South Korean military is now breaking into Parliament
Parliament just voted unanimously to end martial law
The military has said that it will “suspend” parliament if it causes “social confusion”
This is a dystopian situationpic.twitter.com/sYpz6Mu1EI
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 3, 2024
More on this move to destroy freedom in South Korea
Martial law in South Korea is OVER – but watch this video and note all of the phones recording it. The advantage of the modern era is the powers-that-be knowing that one million cameras are documenting their every move. It wasn’t always like this.
Martial law in South Korea is OVER – but watch this video and note all of the phones recording it.
The advantage of the modern era is the powers-that-be knowing that one million cameras are documenting their every move. It wasn’t always like this.pic.twitter.com/lVlD4ZCkzA
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 3, 2024
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats from “communist forces” and “anti-state elements.” This unprecedented move has drawn significant attention and varied reactions from multiple sources:
Official Announcement:
- President’s Justification: In a televised address, President Yoon stated that martial law was essential to “safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces” and to eliminate domestic “anti-state elements.” The Times
Government Actions:
- Suspension of Political Activities: The military announced the suspension of activities at the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties. Media outlets have been placed under military control.
- Healthcare Directive: Medical personnel, including over 12,000 junior doctors who have been on strike, have been ordered to return to work within 48 hours.
Political Reactions:
- Opposition Response: Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, condemned the martial law declaration as “illegal and unconstitutional,” expressing concerns about potential military arrests of parliament members.
- Internal Party Dissent: Han Dong-hoon, leader of President Yoon’s People Power Party, opposed the decision, labeling it “wrong” and pledging to “stop it with the people.”
Economic Impact:
- Market Reaction: Following the declaration, the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF fell by 4.4% in premarket trading, and the South Korean won depreciated by 2% against the U.S. dollar.
Historical Context:
- Previous Martial Law Declarations: This is the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since its democratization in 1987. Associated Press
International Coverage:
- Global Media Reports: International outlets have highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the suspension of parliamentary activities and the mobilization of the military to maintain order. Politico
The declaration has intensified political tensions within South Korea and raised concerns about the country’s democratic stability. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for both domestic governance and international relations.
