South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law, accusing opposition forces of engaging in anti-state activities.

In a live televised address on Tuesday, Yoon stated, "To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law. This is an unavoidable measure to ensure the freedom and safety of the people and guarantee the sustainability of the nation against the unrest stirred by these subversive, anti-state elements.”

The decision has sparked immediate backlash. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling conservative People Power Party, criticized that “the declaration of martial law is wrong” and vowed to “oppose the declaration of martial law alongside the people”. Meanwhile, the liberal opposition Democratic Party has reportedly convened an emergency meeting in response to the announcement.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has faced challenges advancing his policies in an opposition-controlled parliament. His administration has been embroiled in conflicts with the Democratic Party over critical matters such as next year’s budget bill.

Yoon accused the opposition of undermining state functions, stating, “The National Assembly has also completely cut budgets essential for national operations, drug crime prevention, and public safety, undermining the core functions of the state,” the president added. “This has left our citizens in a state of chaos, with the nation becoming a haven for drugs and public safety collapsing.”

The president has also dismissed demands for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, intensifying political tensions and drawing sharp criticism from his rivals.

The Yonhap News Agency reports that Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, has called the declaration of martial law unconstitutional.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party and a member of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party, has also criticized the move. Han described the declaration as “wrong” and pledged to oppose it.