​Martial law in South Korea: Protests erupt, military tanks on streets after President Yoon declares emergency law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and accusing the opposition of being “anti-state forces.” The declaration, the first in over four decades, occurred amidst a budget dispute between Yoon's People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party.

The National Assembly was closed Tuesday night, with military helicopters observed on the roof. Army chief General Park An-su, now martial law commander, banned all political activity. Protests erupted outside the parliament building, with police and special forces present.

“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness, I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon stated in a televised address. He did not elaborate on the North Korean threats.

Yoon criticized the opposition, which controls the parliament, for obstructing governance and hindering the judicial and administrative systems. He blamed them for cutting essential parts of the proposed budget, including funds for combating crime and public safety. “With no regard for the livelihoods of the people, the opposition party has paralysed governance solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice,” Yoon added.

The martial law decree bans activities that challenge the current political system, including the spread of what the government deems “fake news” and “propaganda.” Military units are on high alert, according to Yonhap news agency. China has urged its citizens in South Korea to remain cautious. The US National Security Council is monitoring the situation. Yoon’s approval rating recently dropped to 19 percent, according to a Gallup poll.

Elected president in 2022, Yoon has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly.

Thousands of people took to the streets, trying to enter the country's Parliament to oppose the imposition of martial law. Clashes were scene between security forces and protesters outside the National Assembly in Seoul.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party -- which enjoys a majority in the Parliament -- said, "Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country."

Furniture and boxes are piled up to barricade the entrance doors of the National Assembly, after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, December 4, 2024.