“South Korea on Edge: President’s Martial Law Bid Blocked by Parliament – What’s Next for the Nation?”
Why did the South Korean president declare martial law?
Image credits: Planet Volumes / Unsplash
Yoon Suk Yeol implemented martial law in an effort to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order,” as reported by CBC News, and was in response to various political setbacks.
“I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people and to protect the free constitutional order,” he stated.
“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the abyss of national ruin,” he continued. “To this end, I will definitely eradicate the anti-state forces who are the main culprit of the country’s ruination and conduct vicious activities.”
Image credits: YTN
The proclamation initially sent shockwaves throughout the country and the world, especially considering South Korea has been seen as democratic and without martial law since the 1980s, with some even labeling this as “one step closer to WWIII.”
“He must be impeached and held accountable for his actions,” reacted one user, adding, “Pray for South Korea!”
Others have emphasized the importance of the election, labeling Yoon as a “dictator.”
What does martial law mean in South Korea?
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
