South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared an emergency martial law in a televised address on Tuesday (Dec. 3).
Yoon outlined several reasons for the declaration, accusing opposition parties of colluding in parliament to destabilize the nation. He stated that a crackdown on "anti-national forces" within South Korea was necessary to restore order.
Details regarding the specific measures under the martial law have yet to be disclosed. Analysts suggest that recent actions by the opposition, including legislative attempts targeting First Lady Kim Keon-hee and efforts to impeach prosecutors and other public officials, may have triggered Yoon's decision.
Following the announcement, South Korea's largest opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, held an emergency meeting with its lawmakers. Party leader Lee Jae-myung called on citizens to gather at the National Assembly to "protect the parliament."
In addition, most South Korean lawmakers and Speakers of the National Assembly were reportedly en route to the parliament building.
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