ALBAWABA—South Korea is witnessing unprecedented political and military upheaval as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, marking the first such measure since 1980.
The declaration comes amid claims of "anti-state" activities by opposition leaders, escalating tensions across the country.
Military helicopters were seen circling the National Assembly in Seoul as special forces attempted to breach the building.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party denounced the declaration as illegal, calling it a "coup" and urging citizens to rally at the National Assembly. “Yoon is no longer our president,” Lee proclaimed in a live address.
South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol cited "anti-state" activities by opposition leaders as justification for the sweeping move, which has suspended political activities, placed all institutions under presidential control, and triggered a military blockade of the National Assembly in Seoul.
The declaration follows a prolonged budget standoff and opposition efforts to impeach prosecutors, which Yoon claims have paralyzed governance.
The crisis has also sparked economic turmoil, with the Korean won plunging against the US dollar, and press freedom is reportedly restricted by martial law.
Critics have drawn parallels to Chun Doo-hwan's authoritarian rule, raising alarms about the potential erosion of South Korea’s democratic foundations.
The situation continues to escalate, with fears of widespread political and economic fallout as international actors, including the White House, closely monitor developments.
