South Korea Martial Law Live Updates: Japan defence minister Nakatani postpones South Korea visit, Kyodo says

The United States was not aware of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's intention to declare martial law, U.S. Secretary State Antony Blinken told Reuters on Wednesday, adding that he was anticipating speaking with his South Korean counterpart in the coming days.

Yoon declared martial law in South Korea on Tuesday, before rescinding the decision hours later after a chaotic standoff between parliament and the army.

Speaking in an interview with Reuters in Brussels on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, the top U.S. diplomat said it was vital that the process from now on play out peacefully and according to the rule of law.

"South Korean democracy is one of the most powerful stories anywhere in the world. It's very important that any disputes, differences, political differences, be resolved peacefully and pursuant to the rule of law. That's what we're seeing now. That's what's so important to sustain," Blinken said.

Washington had not been informed about the South Korean decision beforehand, he said.

"That's correct, we were not aware," Blinken said.

South Korea Martial Law Live: China urges South Korea to ensure safety of its citizens amid martial law debacle

China hopes South Korea will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The comments were made in response to a question about South Korea's brief imposition of martial law and its potential impact on China-South Korea relations and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue remains unchanged, the ministry said in a statement.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Japan defence minister postpones South Korea visit, Kyodo says

Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani has decided to postpone a visit to South Korea, which was tentatively planned for later this month, Kyodo news agency reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.

Earlier, South Korea's Defence Ministry said South Korean defence minister Kim Yong-hyun had offered to resign amid the furore over President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law.

South Korea Martial Law Live: China says 'will not comment' on South Korea internal affairs

South Korea Martial Law Live: Political situation an internal matter, says China's foreign minister

China's foreign minister Wang Yi stated on Wednesday that South Korea's political situation is an "internal matter" for the country, responding to the political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law.

Wang's comments came as South Korean lawmakers introduced a bill to impeach Yoon, following the reversal of the martial law declaration within hours, which has rocked Asia's fourth-largest economy.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Seoul resumes normal life after surprise martial law, amid shock and economic strain

Life in Seoul resumed as usual, with people heading to offices, businesses, and schools, and little indication of the overnight political drama. Despite the six hours of surprise martial law, the city of 9 million experienced its typical morning rush hour. This came after President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted his failed attempt to ban political activity and censor the media just before dawn.

However, many were still in shock, as the unexpected events led to a drop in stocks and pushed South Korea's currency to multi-year lows amid already struggling economic growth. Martial law had been declared more than a dozen times in South Korea since it became a republic in 1948, but the last instance occurred over four decades ago during Gen. Chun Doo-hwan’s 1980 coup.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Presidential office says martial law declaration was done within the law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's office defended his late Tuesday declaration of martial law on Wednesday, asserting that it was justified and constitutional. The office denied claims that martial law forces had blocked lawmakers' access to parliament. However, Yoon reversed the order just hours later after parliament rejected his attempt to ban political activity and censor the media.

South Korea Martial Law Live: CCTV shows South Korean staffers blocking armed soldiers during martial law attempt

CCTV footage released on Wednesday showed parliamentary staffers using sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles from entering South Korea's National Assembly to enforce martial law.

Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s late Tuesday declaration of martial law — the first in over four decades — helicopters transported heavily-armed troops to the parliament compound. Other soldiers climbed over fences after midnight and smashed windows to enter the building, an action described by Kim Min-ki, the assembly's secretary general, as an "unconstitutional and illegal" invasion.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Opposition submits motion to impeach President Yoon

South Korea's opposition parties submitted an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, following his brief declaration of martial law that saw troops surrounding parliament before lawmakers voted to revoke it.

For the motion to succeed, it would need the support of two-thirds of parliament and the approval of at least six Constitutional Court justices. According to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min, the motion could be put to a vote as early as Friday.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Martial law turmoil sparks international backlash

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who pledged to position his country as a "global pivotal state," faced swift international diplomatic fallout on Wednesday after his botched attempt to impose martial law. Yoon declared martial law in a late-night TV address on Tuesday, but reversed the decision six hours later after parliament defied police and special forces barriers to vote against it. As a result, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who was set to hold a summit with Yoon this week, canceled his planned visit, according to his spokesperson.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Cabinet ministers have offered to resign en masse

South Korea's ruling People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hoon, called for defence minister Kim Yong-hyun's dismissal and the resignation of the entire cabinet on Wednesday, after president Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law, only to reverse the decision hours later.

Han also suggested that Yoon be removed from the party, though ruling party lawmakers expressed differing opinions.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Swedish PM has postponed South Korea visits

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has postponed his planned visit to South Korea this week, according to his spokesperson. The visit was set to include a summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on Tuesday but lifted it after parliament rejected the move.

"Given the recent developments, we have decided to postpone the visit. We have been in contact with South Korea this morning, and will now work together to find a new time for the visit in the future," the spokesperson said in a statement.

South Korea Martial Law Live: S Korea opposition says will start impeachment proceedings unless president resigns

South Korea's main opposition party said Wednesday it would initiate impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol unless he immediately resigned, after his short-lived declaration of martial law overnight.

If Yoon "does not resign immediately, the Democratic Party will immediately initiate impeachment proceedings in line with the will of the people," it said in a statement.

South Korea Martial Law Live: US welcomes S.Korea leader's reversal on martial law

US secretary of state Antony Blinken on Tuesday said his government welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to lift martial law just hours after he imposed it.

"We welcome President Yoon's statement that he would rescind the order declaring emergency martial law in accordance with the ROK Constitution, after the National Assembly's unanimous vote to reject the declaration," Blinken said, using the acronym for South Korea's formal name.

Blinken added that the United States expected "political disagreements to be resolved peacefully," while reaffirming Washington's support to its ally.

Yoon abandoned his short-lived attempt at martial law on Wednesday after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against his declaration and thousands of protesters took to the streets.

Earlier, the White House had said the United States was "relieved" Yoon had "reversed course on his concerning declaration," according to a spokesperson for the US National Security Council.

President Joe Biden's administration said it was not notified in advance of Yoon's announcement, in which he accused the opposition of threatening the country's democracy.

Biden was briefed on the situation in South Korea during his visit to Angola, where he arrived on Monday for his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president.

The US embassy in Seoul said it was cancelling routine appointments on Wednesday as a precaution. Despite Yoon lifting martial law, "the situation remains fluid," an embassy notice said.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea's opposition party urges Yoon to resign or face impeachment over martial law decree

South Korea’s main opposition party on Wednesday urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign immediately or face impeachment, hours after Yoon ended short-lived martial law that prompted troops to encircle parliament before lawmakers voted to lift it.
On Tuesday night, Yoon abruptly imposed the emergency martial law, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces after he struggled to push forward his agenda in the opposition-dominated parliament. But his martial law was effective for only about six hours, as the National Assembly voted to overrule the president. The declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, said Wednesday that its lawmakers decided to call on Yoon to quit immediately or they would take steps to impeach him.

“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution. It didn’t abide by any requirements to declare it," the Democratic Party said in a statement. “His martial law declaration was originally invalid and a grave violation of the constitution. It was a grave act of rebellion and provides perfect grounds for his impeachment.”

Impeaching him would require support from two-thirds of the parliament, or 200 of its 300 members. The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties together have 192 seats. But when the parliament rejected Yoon’s martial law declaration in a 190-0 vote, about 10 lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party cast ballots supporting the rejection, according to National Assembly officials.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korean president's aides offer to resign en masse over martial law declaration

Senior aides working for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered to resign en masse Wednesday, the Yonhap News Agency reported, after Yoon declared then revoked martial law overnight.

"Yoon's senior aides offer to resign en masse over martial law declaration," Yonhap said, without giving further details. The president's office did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

South Korean president abandons martial law attempt

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Yoon said his government withdrew military personnel that had been deployed and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as "soon as members arrive."

Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate "anti-state" forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country's parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was "invalid" and that lawmakers "will protect democracy with the people."

The president's surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon's own party.

Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly's grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party's lawmakers will remain in the Assembly's main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Martial law lifted in South Korea hours after Parliament votes against it

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced early Wednesday to lift the martial law he had earlier imposed. The declaration, which saw military personnel surround parliament, was overturned hours later by lawmakers who voted to reject it.

Yoon said that troops deployed during the night had already been withdrawn and that he would formally lift martial law after a Cabinet meeting as soon as all members convene. Subsequently, the cabinet also cleared it.

The president's declaration of martial law late Tuesday was framed as a move to eradicate "anti-state" elements amid tensions with an opposition-controlled parliament. He accused the opposition of sympathising with North Korea. However, the National Assembly swiftly voted to nullify the martial law order, with Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring it "invalid" and pledging to defend democracy alongside the public.

Speaker Woo commended the military’s prompt retreat, saying that South Koreans likely witnessed the maturity of the armed forces despite the country’s fraught history with military coups. Meanwhile, Yoon reiterated his criticisms of parliament, accusing it of obstructing governance through impeachment attempts against key officials and "manipulative" legislative practices.

Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Seung-lae claimed security footage suggested that troops may have been targeting the arrests of key political figures, including Lee, Woo, and Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s party.

Protests erupted outside the National Assembly, with demonstrators calling for Yoon's impeachment. Minor scuffles occurred between protesters and troops before the parliamentary vote, but no serious injuries or significant damage were reported. Protesters were seen holding banners, and one woman attempted to wrest a rifle from a soldier, exclaiming, "Aren't you embarrassed?"

South Korea's constitution allows the president to declare martial law during times of war, armed conflict, or comparable emergencies necessitating military intervention to maintain order. Read more

What we know about South Korea's martial law declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Yoon said his government withdrew military personnel that had been deployed and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as "soon as members arrive."
Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate "anti-state" forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country's parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was "invalid" and that lawmakers "will protect democracy with the people."

The president's surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon's own party.

Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly's grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party's lawmakers will remain in the Assembly's main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.

Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote.

"Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military," Woo said.

While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament's attempts to impeach his key government officials and senior prosecutors and lawmakers' "unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state."

Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon's declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon's People Power Party.

Officials from Yoon's office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday.

Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon's impeachment.

Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers' vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting "Aren't you embarrassed?"

Under South Korea's constitution, the president can declare martial law during "wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states" that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state.

When martial law is declared, "special measures" can be employed to restrict the freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea parliament rejects president's martial law declaration

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night, creating the most serious challenge to South Korea's democracy since the 1980s as lawmakers rejected the move in a vote and protesters gathered outside parliament.

Yoon's declaration, which he cast as aimed at his political foes, was vocally opposed by the speaker of parliament and even the leader of Yoon's own party, Han Dong-hoon, who has clashed with the president over his handling of recent scandals.

Under South Korean law, the president must immediately lift martial law if parliament demands it by a majority vote.

Live television footage showed helmeted troops apparently tasked with imposing martial law attempting to enter the National Assembly building. Parliamentary aides were seen trying to push the soldiers back by spraying fire extinguishers.

Yoon said in a TV broadcast that opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage. He vowed to eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and said he had no choice but to take the measure to safeguard constitutional order.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korean president says he will lift martial law after lawmakers vote to reject his move

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the military rule he imposed overnight, after the parliament voted to reject his martial law declaration.

Yoon said his government has withdrawn military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as “soon as members arrive.”

Yoon had declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.”

South Korea Martial Law Live: US wants South Korea crisis resolved in accordance with law

The United States said on Tuesday it was watching events in ally South Korea with "grave concern" after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, and said it hoped the crisis would be resolved peacefully in accordance with the rule of law.

Yoon's surprise declaration, which he cast as aimed at his political foes, created the most serious challenge to South Korea's democracy since the 1980s and was unanimously voted down by 190 lawmakers in the parliament. Protesters gathered outside parliament, and Yoon's own party urged him to lift the decree.

US state department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel was asked at a regular news briefing if Washington believed martial law should be rescinded based on the vote.

"Certainly it is our hope and expectation that the laws and regulations of a particular country are abided by that particular country," he said.

"Ultimately, we want to see these political disputes resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law. And of course, such a vote in the legislature would be consistent with that approach."

Under South Korean law, the president must immediately lift martial law if parliament demands it by a majority vote.

Earlier, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told a State Department event the United States was watching developments in South Korea with "grave concern," and was seeking to engage South Korean counterparts at every level, both in Washington and Seoul.

A White House spokesperson said the U.S. was not notified in advance of Yoon's announcement and added: "We are seriously concerned by the developments we are seeing on the ground."

Campbell said US President Joe Biden, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were being kept appraised of the situation as it developed. He stressed that the US alliance with South Korea was "ironclad."

"We stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty," he said.

Patel stressed the importance of the "broader strategic partnership" the US has with South Korea and called it "vital partner in the Indo-Pacific."

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea's Yoon pledges to lift martial law following parliamentary vote to block it

South Korean President Yoon has announced plans to lift martial law after a parliamentary vote to block it. He confirmed that martial law command forces have already been withdrawn and emphasized the urgency of holding a cabinet meeting to address the situation promptly.

US and South Korean militaries are in 'contact' after martial law, says Pentagon

South Korea Martial Law Live: US says 'not notified in advance' of S.Korea martial law '

The United States said Tuesday that it was given no warning by South Korea that President Yoon Suk Yeol would declare martial law in a country that is one of Washington's closest allies.

"The US was not notified in advance of this announcement. We are seriously concerned by the developments we are seeing on the ground," a White House National Security Council statement said.

South Korea Martial Law Live: White House says US was not informed in advance of South Korea's martial law declaration

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that the US was not notified in advance about President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in South Korea. The revelation adds to growing international concerns over the political crisis unfolding in the country.

The NSC spokesperson stated that the US is closely monitoring the situation but emphasized that there was no prior communication regarding the announcement, which has sparked widespread protests and opposition within South Korea.

This comes as President Yoon's decision, the first martial law declaration in South Korea since the 1980s, faces intense backlash from domestic lawmakers and the public. The Us government has expressed "grave concern" over the developments, urging South Korea to resolve the crisis in a manner that respects democratic principles.

The US has long been an ally of South Korea, with more than 28,000 US troops stationed in the country, underscoring the potential impact of the situation on regional security.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea military announces martial law will remain in place until lifted by president

South Korea's military has stated that it will maintain martial law until President Yoon Suk-yeol orders its removal, according to a report by a local broadcaster. This announcement comes amid increasing political tensions and criticism from opposition parties regarding the legality and necessity of the measures.

The military's decision to continue martial law has sparked further debate, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung condemning the move as illegal and claiming that following orders under such a regime would violate the law. Lee's statement emphasized that martial law, under the current circumstances, is invalid.

The situation remains fluid as political leaders and the military navigate the complex dynamics of governance and constitutional legitimacy.

South Korea Martial Law Live: Following martial law orders under Yoon is illegal, says South Korea opposition leader Lee Jae-myung

South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, declared that any individual obeying orders issued under President Yoon Suk-yeol and military commanders in the context of martial law would be acting unlawfully. Lee asserted that martial law, if declared under the current administration, would lack legal validity.

Lee’s remarks come amid escalating political tension in the country. He emphasized that adherence to unconstitutional directives would place individuals on the wrong side of the law. “Martial law, imposed in such a context, is invalid. Obeying such orders is a violation of the law,” he stated.

This declaration intensifies the confrontation between the ruling and opposition factions, with the latter accusing the administration of undermining democratic principles. Lee urged the military and citizens to prioritize the rule of law, warning against potential misuse of emergency powers by the current government.

The political climate remains charged as opposition leaders continue to challenge the administration's actions and policies, framing them as threats to South Korea’s democratic framework.

​Martial law in South Korea: 'Anti-state' forces

The decree by martial law commander Park also banned "actions that deny or seek to overthrow the liberal democratic system, including the spread of fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda".

The president labelled the opposition, which holds a majority in the 300-member parliament, as "anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime".
The decree by martial law commander Park also banned "actions that deny or seek to overthrow the liberal democratic system, including the spread of fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda".

See images - Protests erupt, military tanks on streets after President Yoon declares emergency law

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea faces unrest as Parliament rejects martial law

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday night has plunged South Korea into political turmoil, with parliament swiftly rejecting the move and protests erupting across the nation. This marks the most significant challenge to the country’s democracy since its transition from authoritarian rule in the 1980s.

The martial law announcement, which Yoon framed as a response to "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces," stunned South Koreans and led to an unprecedented standoff. Helmeted troops attempted to enter the National Assembly early Wednesday, but lawmakers and parliamentary staff pushed them back, with some using fire extinguishers.

Amid widespread opposition, including from Yoon's own party leader, Han Dong-hoon, the National Assembly speaker declared the measure invalid, and lawmakers voted to overturn it.

Public and political backlash
The declaration sparked immediate protests outside the parliament building, with demonstrators chanting, "Withdraw emergency martial law!" and "Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!" Critics, including former President Moon Jae-in, decried the move as a threat to democracy. Moon urged citizens to unite and support parliament in resisting authoritarianism.

Yoon's justification for martial law focused on domestic political opponents rather than citing any immediate threat from North Korea, raising further concerns. The military command announced bans on parliamentary activities, political parties, and media operations under martial law authority, exacerbating fears of democratic backsliding.

Economic and international reactions
The Korean won plunged against the US dollar amid the political uncertainty, prompting South Korea’s central bank to prepare market-stabilization measures. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting with top economic officials.

Internationally, the United States expressed "grave concern," with the White House monitoring the situation closely. The U.S. has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, underscoring the potential implications for regional stability.

As the crisis unfolds, Yoon faces mounting pressure to retract his decision, with his administration's future increasingly uncertain in the face of domestic and global scrutiny.

South Korea opposition leader Lee Jae-myung: Following martial law orders under Yoon is illegal

South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, declared that any individual obeying orders issued under President Yoon Suk-yeol and military commanders in the context of martial law would be acting unlawfully. Lee asserted that martial law, if declared under the current administration, would lack legal validity.

Lee’s remarks come amid escalating political tension in the country. He emphasized that adherence to unconstitutional directives would place individuals on the wrong side of the law. “Martial law, imposed in such a context, is invalid. Obeying such orders is a violation of the law,” he stated.

This declaration intensifies the confrontation between the ruling and opposition factions, with the latter accusing the administration of undermining democratic principles. Lee urged the military and citizens to prioritize the rule of law, warning against potential misuse of emergency powers by the current government.

The political climate remains charged as opposition leaders continue to challenge the administration's actions and policies, framing them as threats to South Korea’s democratic framework.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korean national assembly passes resolution to lift martial law

South Korea’s National Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for the immediate lifting of martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The motion was approved with 190 lawmakers present out of 300, reflecting widespread opposition to the emergency measure.

The resolution intensifies the political standoff following Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday, which he justified as necessary to counter "communist forces" and protect South Korea’s democracy. Critics, including opposition lawmakers and legal experts, have condemned the move as unconstitutional and an abuse of executive power.

In a related development, the National Assembly speaker declared the martial law "invalid," citing a lack of constitutional grounding. The president’s office has yet to respond to the resolution or the speaker’s statement, leaving the status of martial law in question.

International actors, including the US and UK, have expressed concern over the situation, urging South Korea to uphold democratic norms and resolve the crisis through lawful means.

South Korea Martial Law Live Updates: US expresses 'grave concern' over South Korea's martial law dispute

The US State Department on Wednesday voiced "grave concern" over the political crisis in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. A senior US official emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic principles and the rule of law.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and urge South Korea to resolve this matter in a manner consistent with its democratic values," the State Department said in a statement.

The comments come as South Korea’s parliament voted to overturn the martial law and its speaker declared the measure invalid. President Yoon cited "communist threats" from North Korea as the rationale for imposing martial law, sparking a domestic and international outcry.

The US, a longstanding ally of South Korea, reiterated its commitment to regional stability, expressing hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully and within the framework of the law.

South Korea Martial Law Live: UK government "closely monitoring" South Korea situation amid martial law dispute

The UK government has expressed concern over the unfolding political crisis in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law. In a statement on Wednesday, officials said they are "closely monitoring" the situation.

"The United Kingdom urges all parties to prioritize democratic principles and resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means," the government said.

This development comes as South Korea’s parliament voted to lift the martial law and its speaker declared the measure invalid, escalating tensions between the executive and legislative branches. President Yoon imposed the emergency law citing threats from "communist forces," but the move has faced domestic and international scrutiny.

The UK’s response underscores the global interest in the stability of South Korea, a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with North Korea.

Martial law South Korea: South Korea's Parliament speaker declares martial law invalid

South Korea’s parliamentary speaker announced that President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law is "invalid," intensifying the constitutional standoff in the nation.

The speaker’s statement followed a parliamentary motion, passed with 190 members present, demanding the immediate lifting of the martial law declared on Tuesday. The declaration, which Yoon said was necessary to counter "communist forces," has been met with sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers and legal experts.

“The declaration lacks constitutional basis and cannot be recognized as valid,” the speaker said, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.

The government has yet to issue an official response to the speaker's remarks or the parliamentary vote. The situation remains tense, with political and legal analysts warning of potential fallout as South Korea grapples with security concerns tied to North Korea and internal political divisions.

South korea martial law news: South Korea parliament votes to require Yoon to lift martial law

South Korea's parliament passed a motion on Tuesday to lift the martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol, escalating the political standoff in the country. The motion was approved with 190 out of 300 members present, according to live televised proceedings.

President Yoon had imposed emergency martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from "communist forces" and the need to protect the nation’s democracy amid a contentious budget dispute. His declaration had drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who deemed it an overreach of executive power.

Parliament's decision challenges the president's authority and adds to growing domestic and international scrutiny of Yoon's actions. The political tension comes amid heightened security concerns tied to North Korea's provocations and regional instability.

The president's office has not yet responded to the parliamentary motion, leaving the legal status of martial law uncertain. Observers note that this clash could deepen South Korea’s political divide at a critical juncture for its governance and security.

South korea martial law news: Chinese embassy urges citizens in South Korea to exercise 'caution' after martial law

China's embassy in South Korea issued a cautionary advisory on Tuesday, urging its citizens to stay vigilant following the imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The advisory, released through the embassy's official channels, advised Chinese nationals to "remain calm, monitor developments in South Korea's political situation, enhance safety awareness, limit unnecessary outings, and exercise caution when expressing political opinions."

President Yoon announced the state of emergency in a televised address, citing threats from "communist forces." He emphasized the measure was crucial to protect South Korea's democracy amid ongoing parliamentary disputes over a budget bill.

"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," Yoon stated.

The declaration comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with North Korea increasing its military rhetoric and activities this year. China, a key ally of Pyongyang, expressed concern over the developments.

In November, Yoon met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. Both leaders discussed the importance of "regional peace and stability," according to Yonhap News Agency.

South Korea and North Korea remain technically at war, with the latter ramping up provocations in recent months, further complicating the regional security dynamics.

South Korea Martial Law Live: South Korea parliament opens session on martial law

Emergency in South Korea; order to 'eradicate shameless pro-Kim forces' in place | Watch

South korea martial law news: Full text of South Korea's martial law decree

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday for the first time in the country since 1980. Below is a Reuters translation of the military decree:

"In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrowing the regime of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces active within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following is hereby declared throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024:

1. All political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, political associations, rallies and demonstrations, are prohibited.

2. All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda are prohibited.

3. All media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.

4. Strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos are prohibited.

5. All medical personnel, including trainee doctors, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to their jobs within 48 hours and work faithfully. Those who violate will be punished in accordance with the Martial Law.

6. Innocent ordinary citizens, excluding anti-state forces and other subversive forces, will be subject to measures to minimize inconvenience in their daily lives.

Violators of the above proclamation may be arrested, detained, and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Special Measures Authority of the Martial Law Commander), and will be punished in accordance with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act (Penalties).

Martial Law Commander, Army General Park An-su, Tuesday, December 3, 2024."

South Korea martial law news: 'All political activities' banned under S Korea martial law: Commander

All political activities are banned in South Korea following the imposition of martial law on Tuesday and all media will be subject to government monitoring, martial law commander Park An-su said in a statement.

"All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited," he said, adding: "All media and publications shall be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command." (AFP)

South Korea martial law news: US in contact with South Korean government, monitoring situation, White House says

The Biden administration is in contact with the South Korean government and is monitoring the situation closely, a White House spokesperson said on Tuesday after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. (Reuters)

South Korea martial law news: Seoul under martial law: All political activity banned, says military - Top developments

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, accusing opposition parties of destabilizing governance, sympathizing with North Korea, and threatening the nation's constitutional order. This decision follows escalating political tensions between Yoon's People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party. Read full story

South Korea martial law news: Who is Yoon Suk Yeol? Scandal-hit South Korean president who declared martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in a surprising address to Seoul on Tuesday, declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition-controlled parliament of sympathising with North Korea and paralysing the government. Read full story

South Korea martial law news: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law amid political turmoil, says 'will eliminate anti-state elements'

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared "emergency martial law" on Tuesday, accusing opposition parties of crippling governance, sympathizing with North Korea, and undermining the nation’s constitutional order. Read full read