This decision aims to combat North Korean influence and protect the constitutional order and freedoms.
The president stated that the government was being paralyzed by the opposition’s actions, which recently passed a reduced budget and submitted motions to remove the head of the state audit office and the attorney general.
The opposition leader opposed the president's decision, calling it unconstitutional, and feared that the military could arrest lawmakers. The opposition also called on their supporters to protest outside parliament.
The leader of the ruling People Power Party also criticized the state of emergency, announcing plans to block it, while the speaker of parliament announced plans to convene a session.
In response, lawmakers were blocked from entering the National Assembly.
A ban on all political activities was introduced, including actions by parliament, political parties, and local governments, as well as a prohibition on demonstrations. Meanwhile, doctors were ordered to return to work within 48 hours.
This is the first state of emergency in South Korea since 1980, and the decision has led to a weakening of the currency, the won, prompting the central bank to announce a rescue plan.
The main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul is crowded with people as police block entry following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in Seoul, South Korea, 03 December 2024. South Korean President addressed the nation citing the need to root out pro-North Korean forces and uphold the constitutional order (photo: PAP/EPA/YONHAP SOUTH KOREA)
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Source: IAR/PAP/Yonhap/YouTube/The Straits Times
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