The big picture: Yoon contended the move was critical to defend the country's constitutional order, saying opposition parties have taken over the parliamentary process, Reuters reported.
- "I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Yoon said.
- Yoon, then a political newcomer, was inaugurated in 2022 amid burgeoning tension in the north, as Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un vowed to rapidly expand his nuclear arsenal.
LIVE – Updated at 15:06
South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law in a surprise late-night TV address, claiming he would eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces".
He did not cite any specific threat from the nuclear-armed North, led by Kim Jong Un, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents, who he accused of throwing the country into a crisis.
LIVE – Updated at 15:06
South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law in a surprise late-night TV address, claiming he would eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces".
He did not cite any specific threat from the nuclear-armed North, led by Kim Jong Un, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents, who he accused of throwing the country into a crisis.
It remained unclear what specific measures would be taken under the new powers. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung said his party would try to nullify the move but expressed fears that parliamentarians could be arrested.
Key Points
- South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declares ‘emergency martial law'
- Move to martial law draws swift condemnation – including from president’s own allies
- Opposition leader vows to try to nullify imposition of martial law
‘Guns and knives will rule the country,’ opposition warns
15:06 , Angus ThompsonSouth Korea’s opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung has warned the country faces economic collapse and military rule as the president declared martial law.
The Democratic Party leader made the comments in an online livestream after expressing fears politicians could be arrested after being denied access to parliament.
“Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country,” Lee Jae-myung said.
“The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”
Korean won falls sharply against US dollar
14:50 , Andy GregoryThe Korean won was down sharply against the US dollar following the declaration of martial law, hitting a two-year low on Tuesday prior to falling further.
A central bank official said it was preparing measures to stabilise the market if needed.
President vows to ‘eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible'
14:39 , Andy GregoryIn his address, South Korea’s president vowed to “eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible”.
“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin,” Yoon Suk Yeol said, invoking South Korea’s formal name.
“I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.”
Move to martial law draws swift condemnation – including from president’s own allies
14:38 , Andy GregoryThe declaration of martial law has drawn immediate condemnation from politicians, including the leader of the president’s own conservative party, Han Dong-hoon – who called the decision “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.”
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called Yoon’s announcement “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Footage appears to show parliamentarians being denied access
14:36 , Andy GregoryFootage shared to social media appears to show members of South Korea’s parliament being refused access following the president’s martial law announcement.
South Korean president battling low approval ratings
14:34 , Andy GregorySince taking office in 2022, Mr Yoon has struggled to push his agendas against an opposition-controlled parliament.
His approval rating has dipped in recent months.
Mr Yoon's conservative People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year's budget bill.
He has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials - drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.
Opposition leader vows to try to nullify imposition of martial law
14:23 , Andy GregoryIt remained unclear what specific measures would be taken under the new powers.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung said his party would try to nullify the move – but he expressed fears that parliamentarians could be arrested as a result of president Yoon Suk Yeol’s move.
South Korea’s president declares ‘emergency martial law'
14:22 , Andy GregorySouth Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol has declared “emergency martial law”, in a move he claimed was necessary to safeguard free and constitutional order.
In an unannounced television address on Tuesday night, Mr Yoon said: “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order.”
Good afternoon, welcome to The Independent’s live coverage bringing you the latest updates after South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law”
