Political Crisis Deepens as South Korea Declares Martial Law: Nation Braces for Unrest

Updated Report: Opposition lawmakers have been detained by the military while attempting to enter South Korea’s parliament building.

People are now calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol to be imprisoned.

South Korea’s parliament votes unanimously, 190-0, to lift martial law. Special ops are storming the parliament building.

CNN reports that the South Korean military is withdrawing from the parliament building.

The military is leaving the Parliament building after the vote to lift martial law passed – YTN https://t.co/w9aSEwwRPd pic.twitter.com/UjYU1IQjOZ
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) December 3, 2024

In a late-night emergency television address, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing the necessity to protect the nation from North Korean communist forces and to eliminate pro-North Korean anti-state elements. He emphasized that this measure is critical for defending the country’s constitutional order.

🇰🇷 Managed to find the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. They are currently flying into Seoul, South Korea, near the Seogang Bridge.
— Conflict Dispatch (@conflictdispatch.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T16:15:29.658Z

Watch live: Protests break out in South Korea as martial law declared https://t.co/bi2inUi41f
— The Independent (@Independent) December 3, 2024

BREAKING: South Korean police have blocked the entrance to the parliament following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law.
— Republicans Against Trumpism (@rpsagainsttrump.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:29:53.392Z

The declaration has led to significant unrest, with violent clashes reported outside the National Assembly in Seoul. Military authorities have banned all activities within the parliament, and police buses have been deployed to block its entrance.

🇰🇷⚔️The President of South Korea has declared martial law in the country.🇰🇵He held an emergency meeting, after which he declared a threat of paralysis of power due to attempts to conduct impeachment proceedings against him by Pro-DPRK forces.
— MAKS 24 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T13:54:03.353Z

⚡️ BREAKING: South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said that "Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer the president of South Korea." pic.twitter.com/6cUIhx50Wi
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 3, 2024

Special ops are storming the parliament building.
— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T16:14:26.063Z

Opposition leaders have condemned the move. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung described the martial law declaration as “illegal and unconstitutional” and called on lawmakers and the public to gather at the National Assembly to oppose it. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, also criticized the decision, stating, “The president’s martial law declaration is wrong. We will stop it along with the people.”

Members of the National Assembly have gathered for an emergency parliamentary session.In the meantime, the military is trying to get into the building of the Parliament.
— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:56:43.154Z

"A military command, launched with the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol late Tuesday, announced a decree banning all political activities, including protests and activities by political parties." en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2024…
— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:35:54.195Z

This development occurs amid escalating tensions with North Korea, which has increased military defenses near the border, conducted weapons tests, and intensified aggressive propaganda. Experts warn that these incidents could lead to a serious escalation, potentially resulting in a conflict of unprecedented severity due to North Korea’s nuclear and chemical arsenal.

#SouthKorea 🇰🇷: Korean military forces are taking up positions in the National Assembly building in #Seoul, following the declaration of martial law by president Yoon.Scenes like this would be unthinkable in a healthy democracy like ROK, yet this is what we are watching.
— Thomas van Linge (@thomasvlinge.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:24:38.811Z

WATCH: Scuffles at South Korea's parliament as special forces take control under martial law
— BNO News (@bnonews.com) 2024-12-03T15:50:26.398Z

The imposition of martial law in South Korea is a rare and significant event, with the last occurrence in 1979 following the assassination of then-dictator Park Chung Hee. The current situation has left many citizens bewildered, as daily life in areas like Seoul appears normal despite the government’s drastic measures.

🇰🇷 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were spotted over Seoul, South Korea, amid the declaration of martial law in the country.
— Conflict Dispatch (@conflictdispatch.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:30:53.360Z

President of South Korea Yoon Sook Yeol has declared martial law. In his national address, he said the decision was made to remove pro-North Korea forces from the countryI know I have many followers from South Korea. Friends, could you let us know what is going on? I hope you are all safe.
— Anton Gerashchenko (@antongerashchenko.bsky.social) 2024-12-03T15:24:56.292Z

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments in South Korea, given the potential implications for regional stability and security.