The president of South Korea declares emergency martial law against the opposition, accusing it of being against the state while sympathizing with North Korea’s efforts at undermining the legislative process.
In his televised address, Yoon said he would “root out the pro-North Korean forces,” and safeguard South Korea’s constitutional democracy, adding the declaration of martial law was a step for the country against the opposition’s subversion. It is for this reason that I hereby declare emergency martial law to safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements. As only one dimension of protection vis-a-vis emerging agitation, Yoon framed the declaration in the light of safeguarding citizens’ freedom and security concerning the nation.
Now the real question is how this will affect the polity and democratic institutions in South Korea. Opposition leaders condemned the move outright, the leader of the Democratic Party calling the declaration “illegal and unconstitutional.” He was joined by members of his party in an emergency meeting, whereas Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People’s Power Party, also expressed disagreement, calling the move “wrong.”
The government does seem to be at an impasse with opposition forces, particularly in light of the upcoming budget next year. The main opposition party also raised the issue of impeachment for several top prosecutors, including that of the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office.
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He accused the opposition of sabotaging national functions by slashing budgets that are critical in public safety, drug-related crimes, and other areas. This has completely left our citizens in disarray, with the country now turned into a haven for drugs and public safety” he added.
The declaration is characterized by tension with North Korea which has recently declared South Korea to be a ‘hostile state’ and withdrew from the objective of unification. In response, South Korea has fortified its defense capabilities and completed the new ballistic missile interceptor, which was part of security strengthening against North Korean missile threats, which have been intensifying lately. Last year, a missile from North Korea crossed the maritime border into South Korean waters, prompting a retaliatory missile strike from the South.