South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared martial law for the first time since 1980, citing the need to protect the country from internal threats and from North Korea. The decree prohibits political activities, strikes, and media manipulation while imposing strict controls on public conduct. Those who violate these regulations will face severe penalties under martial law.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday for the first time in the country since 1980. This surprising announcement —South Korea’s first declaration of martial law in more than 40 years— came as his party and the opposition were embroiled in disputes over the budget. Following this declaration, all military units in South Korea have been ordered to enhance their emergency alert and readiness postures, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Reasons for the Martial Law Declaration
President Yoon has accused the opposition of being “anti-state forces” and stated that he is acting to protect the country from the threats posed by North Korea. In a live televised address to the nation, Yoon said, “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements undermining people’s freedom and happiness, I here by declare emergency martial law.”
He criticized the opposition for disregarding the needs of the people, asserting, “With no regard for the livelihoods of the public, the opposition party has paralyzed governance solely to pursue impeachments, special investigations, and to shield their leader from justice.” Yoon described the National Assembly as “a haven for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship that seeks to paralyze the judicial and administrative systems and overturn our liberal democratic order.”
Yoon characterized the imposition of martial law as “necessary to ensure the continuity of a liberal South Korea,” while adding that it would not affect the country’s foreign policy. He expressed his belief that South Korea is “on the verge of collapse” with the National Assembly acting malevolently against liberal democracy.
Provisions of the Martial Law
Under martial law, all political activities—including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, associations, rallies, and demonstrations—are now prohibited. Furthermore, the decree states, “All actions that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, including fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda.” As a result, media and publications will be subject to control by the Martial Law Command.
The decree explicitly prohibits strikes, work stoppages, and rallies that might incite social unrest. It requires medical personnel, including trainee doctors, currently on strike or who have left the medical field, to return to work within 48 hours and fulfill their duties. “Those who violate this order will face punishment in accordance with martial law,” the presidential decree warns.
Additionally, anyone found violating the martial law may be “arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant” per Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Authority of the Martial Law Commander), and will be punished according to Article 14 of the Martial Law Act (Penalties).
DO’S & DON’TS DURING MARTIAL LAW
- Political Ban: All political activities, rallies, and actions against democracy are prohibited.
- Media Control: Media and publications are under martial law oversight.
- Misinformation: Fake news and propaganda are banned.
- No Strikes: Strikes and disruptive gatherings are prohibited.
- Medical Recall: Medical staff must resume duties within 48 hours or face penalties.
- Citizen Safeguards: Minimal disruption is ensured for law-abiding citizens.
Televised Address by President Yoon Suk Yeol
During a televised address, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that martial law would be necessary to “rebuild and protect” the country from “national ruin.” He emphasized his commitment to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” Yoon further pledged to swiftly eliminate “anti-state forces” and normalize the country, urging the public to trust him despite any “inconveniences.”
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements that undermine the people’s freedom and happiness, I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon declared.
He added, “The opposition party has paralyzed governance without regard for the livelihoods of the people, solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice.”
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