South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a member of the conservative People Power Party who assumed office in 2022, finds himself navigating choppy political waters. Following a decisive parliamentary election victory earlier this year by the Democratic Party, Yoon is now widely regarded as a lame-duck leader midway through his presidential term.
In a dramatic televised address, Yoon leveled accusations against the Democratic Party, claiming they were sympathetic to North Korea’s regime in Pyongyang and engaging in anti-state activities that have hindered the functioning of the government.
However, Yoon’s decision to impose martial law sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, including within his own party. People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon openly criticized the move, describing it as “wrong.” In a firm rebuke, Han vowed to oppose the measure, saying, “We will stop it along with the people.”
Following Yoon’s declaration, South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun convened a meeting with top military commanders, instructing the armed forces to remain on heightened alert, according to a report from the Korean news agency Yonhap.
Under martial law, Army General Park An-soo, designated as the Martial Law Commander, announced sweeping restrictions. He stated that all media outlets would now be subject to military censorship, while political activities have been outright banned.
“We prohibit any actions that undermine the liberal democratic system or attempt to overthrow it, as well as the spread of fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda,” General Park declared, according to a report from Yonhap News.
As the controversial declaration unfolds, South Korea faces a deepening political crisis with significant implications for its democracy.
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