SEOUL – South Korean President Yoon Yeol announced emergency martial law in late night address, in what he described as much-needed move to block the opposition’s nefarious plot to overthrow free democracy.
The country’s capital Seoul – which is home to around 9.4million people, saw chaotic scenes post martial law announcement, as opposition-controlled Parliament blocked the move. The announcement led to widespread protests, with thousands of demonstrators flooding the streets in opposition to the decision.
South Korea’s legislature voted to revoke martial law after Speaker Woo Won-sik tabled the resolution midnight. The resolution was approved unanimously by 190 of 300 members present, including both ruling and opposition party members.
As lawmakers were making moves to block autocratic moves, clashes broke out between security forces and protesters outside the National Assembly in Seoul, with masses attempting to breach the building.
Armed forces responded swiftly, deploying tanks, armored vehicles, and martial law units armed with rifles to secure the Parliament grounds. Choppers were also seen landing within the assembly grounds, while others circled overhead to monitor the situation. There is heavily armed soldiers and police officers guarding the entrances to the Parliament.
As tensions mount, police blocked access to the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers from entering the building. The country’s military sounds alert, given the ongoing threat from North Korea, with which the country remains technically at war.
Martial Law declared in South Korea to target Pro-North Korean groups
