South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the opposition of paralyzing the government with 'anti-state activities'. The declaration was swiftly rescinded, causing a tense night of political drama and alarming South Korea's allies.
A political staffer sprays a fire extinguisher to block soldiers entering the main hall of the National Assembly in Seoul. South Korea n President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was imposing martial law , accusing the opposition of paralysing the government with "anti-state activities".
The order also brought all media outlets under the authority of martial law and directed all medical staff, including striking doctors, to return to work within 48 hours.Just hours after he made the shock declaration, Mr Yoon said Wednesday's martial law declaration would be lifted and troops would be withdrawn.
But 190 did manage to enter and voted unanimously to reject Mr Yoon's declaration and call for martial law to be lifted. The Associated Press noted that the vague statement was reminiscent of the heavy-handed tactics of previous South Korean dictatorships when a series of strongmen repeatedly invoked North Korea when struggling to control domestic dissidents and political opponents.The claims have battered his approval ratings and fuelled attacks by his rivals.
"The use of martial law feels almost like a desperation move to try to break out, both in a political and policy sense, but it is really poorly played on both fronts."Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called the announcement "illegal and unconstitutional". "Martial law? I thought it was deepfake content, but is it really a martial law decree?" one X user wrote.
Martial Law South Korea Political Crisis President Yoon Suk Yeol National Assembly
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