President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of "anti-state activities plotting rebellion."

"The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom," Yoon said in the televised address.

This decision came after the opposition Democratic Party railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.

Following the declaration, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) called in its lawmakers urgently to the National Assembly.

The DP ordered its lawmakers to hold a meeting to apparently discuss and begin the necessary procedures for lifting the martial law.

DP leader Lee Jae-myung called Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law "unconstitutional," condemning it as a move that "goes against the people."

"President Yoon declared emergency martial law for no reason," Lee said. "Tanks, armored vehicles and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country."

However, Ruling party chief Han Dong-hoon said that President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law is "wrong" and that he will "block it" together with the people.

Han of the People Power Party issued the statement shortly after Yoon declared martial law citing the need to eradicate pro-North Korea forces and defend the free constitutional order.

BDST: 2059 HRS, DEC 03, 2024
MSK