LIVE: Martial Law Triggers Clashes Between Civilians And Military in South Korea

Sky news is reporting that the National Assembly has voted to block the martial law. 

It is 1 AM in South Korea. More visuals are emerging of clashes between security forces and protestors. 

Meanwhile, people across the world, even Korea watchers, are completely shell-shocked. 

Panic is increasing in South Korea. Posts on social media are suggesting that armored vehicles are moving on the streets of Seoul. 

AFP is now reporting that helicopters are landing on the roof the parliament. South Korea’s main opposition, the Democratic Party, has asked people to assemble outside the National Assembly. 

Most Korea watchers have been shocked by the development. 

Visuals are now emerging of security forces clashing with protestors outside the parliament, in Seoul. 

US’ National Security Council spokesperson has stated that the Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation. 

The Yonhap news agency is reporting that those who violate martial law can be arrested without a warrant. Media and publishers are also under the martial law. 

This declaration of martial law marks a significant and controversial moment in South Korea’s political history. The last time martial law was declared in the country was in 1979, following the assassination of dictator Park Chung Hee. This event led to widespread political unrest, and martial law lasted until 1987, when democratic reforms were enacted.  Now, as South Korea finds itself once again under martial law, the country is facing heightened uncertainty and division. With opposition leaders calling for mass protests and lawmakers rallying to block the declaration, the coming days will likely see a fierce political struggle unfold, with the country’s future direction hanging in the balance.

In a surprising late-night address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing the need to protect the nation from North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate what he described as “anti-state elements” within the country. Yoon’s decision has sparked immediate backlash from both opposition and ruling party leaders, setting the stage for intense political conflict.

The declaration has been met with widespread opposition. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, condemned the decision, calling it unconstitutional. He also urged the public to mobilize and gather outside the National Assembly in protest. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Lee has called on all lawmakers from his party to assemble at the assembly to vote down the martial law declaration.  In addition to the opposition’s outcry, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party and a member of President Yoon’s own party, described the move as “wrong” and vowed to block it. The political divisions are deepening, as both parties now face a constitutional showdown over the legitimacy of martial law.

The Legal Framework 

Under South Korean law, martial law must be lifted if the majority of the National Assembly demands it through a vote. However, a crucial stipulation in the law also prohibits martial law forces from arresting lawmakers, a safeguard aimed at preserving the legislature’s independence during times of national emergency.  As protests intensify, Yonhap News Agency reports that police buses have been deployed outside the National Assembly, blocking access to the building. This move is seen as an effort to prevent lawmakers from assembling to vote on the declaration, further escalating tensions between the government and opposition.

Reports from South Korean media, Yonhap, indicate that the military has begun suspending parliamentary activities. According to the Yonhap News Agency, members of the National Assembly have been banned from accessing the building, and footage circulating on social media shows a heavy police presence outside the assembly in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District.  This development marks a significant escalation in the political crisis. The suspension of parliamentary activity and the militarization of government institutions signal a shift towards more authoritarian measures, raising concerns about the future of South Korea’s democracy.

This unprecedented declaration of martial law comes at a time when President Yoon’s political authority has been significantly weakened. Following the opposition’s landslide victory in the most recent general elections, Yoon has struggled to pass legislation, often resorting to vetoing bills passed by the opposition-dominated parliament.

Compounding matters, Yoon’s presidency is embroiled in controversy, particularly regarding allegations of corruption against his wife. She has been accused of influence peddling, prompting the opposition to demand a special investigation into the matter. This scandal, coupled with the opposition’s recent actions to slash the government’s budget and move forward with impeachment proceedings against certain cabinet members, has further eroded Yoon’s political power.  With his ability to block bills limited and his presidency under siege, Yoon has opted for the extreme measure of martial law, claiming it is necessary to restore order and prevent what he called “anti-state” forces from destabilizing the nation.

The declaration of martial law has sparked immediate criticism across South Korea’s political spectrum. Both the ruling and opposition parties have condemned the move. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called the declaration unconstitutional, stressing that such a measure undermines the country’s democratic principles.

In an unexpected twist, Han Dong-hoon, the head of the ruling People Power Party and a member of Yoon’s own party, also criticized the move, describing it as “wrong” and vowing to block its implementation.

In a surprise late-night television address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing the need to protect the nation from North Korea’s communist forces and to address what he described as “anti-state elements.”  President Yoon stated that the decision was necessary to safeguard the country’s liberal constitutional order and remove pro-North Korea forces from South Korea. While asserting that he had no other choice, he did not specify the measures that would accompany the imposition of martial law.

What Is Martial Law? 

Martial law refers to the temporary imposition of military control over civilian authorities during times of crisis when regular civil governance is deemed insufficient. It often involves suspending normal civil rights and enforcing military law. While intended as a temporary measure, martial law can sometimes persist for extended periods.  

Bipartisan Opposition to the Declaration 

The announcement has drawn criticism from both opposition and ruling party leaders, with Yonhap News Agency reporting widespread disapproval. 

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called the declaration unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, head of the ruling People Power Party, also criticized the move. Despite being part of President Yoon’s party, Han described the martial law declaration as “wrong” and vowed to block it.

Context and Concerns 

The sudden declaration of martial law has raised concerns about its potential impact on South Korea’s democracy and civil liberties. Although the president emphasized the need to address threats from North Korea and internal instability, he provided little detail about the actions his government intends to take or how long the measures will last. It is also worth adding that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s wife has been in the news for engaging in corruption. 

This marks a significant and contentious moment for South Korea, with questions swirling about the political, legal, and social implications of Yoon’s decision. The coming days are expected to see intense political debate and public scrutiny over the declaration.