Understanding the Declaration of Martial Law by South Korea’s President

South Korea's president, Yoon Suk Yeol, made a surprising announcement by declaring martial law, a move that stirred up controversy and unrest. This decision granted the military the authority to clamp down on political activities, sparking anger among the opposition. Yoon's struggles to pass legislation and resistance to limitations on his presidency led to this drastic measure.

Historic Declaration

Yoon Suk Yeol's invocation of martial law on Tuesday marked the first instance of such a declaration since South Korea's democratization in 1987. The sudden announcement late at night triggered protests outside parliament, with lawmakers attempting to breach its walls. Criticism mounted against Yoon for what was perceived as a disruption to the country's democratic processes.

Reasoning Behind the Move

Yoon justified the declaration of martial law as a response to the threats posed by North Korea. In his televised address, he referred to "anti-state forces" and emphasized the need to swiftly eliminate them to restore normalcy in the nation. The decision also reflected Yoon's frustration with opposition politicians following a series of setbacks that impeded his policy agenda. With dwindling approval ratings and challenges within his own party, Yoon faced mounting pressures.

Implications of Martial Law

The enforcement of martial law entails a ban on parliamentary activities, allowing for the arrest of individuals without a warrant for violating regulations. Additionally, media outlets and publishers are placed under military control, while striking doctors are compelled to resume work within 48 hours. The extent and duration of the martial law remained unspecified by Yoon.

Reactions and Responses

Yoon's decision drew criticism even from within his own party, with the leader expressing disapproval and vowing to oppose the move. The main opposition leader deemed the declaration unconstitutional, rallying politicians to gather outside the National Assembly. As the US administration monitored the situation closely, financial markets in South Korea reacted to the uncertainty, with the value of the won dropping significantly.

Source: Business Insider

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By: ezolfagharifard@insider.com (Ellie Zolfagharifard)
Title: Understanding the Declaration of Martial Law by South Korea’s President
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/why-did-south-korea-declare-martial-law-yoon-suk-yeol-2024-12
Published Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:01:49 +0000