South Korea martial law: Military tanks on Seoul streets, protests outside Parliament

A complete chaos was witnessed in South Korea on Tuesday evening after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country to eliminate “anti-state” forces, accusing the opposition-controlled Parliament of sympathising with communist North Korea.

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.

A fleet of tanks, armoured vehicles and South Korea’s martial command forces with guns in hands were seen entering the Parliament.

Visuals circulating on social media showed police officers guarding the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the National Assembly’s main building to restrict the unauthorised entrance of people.

According to news agency Associated Press, at least three helicopters, likely from the military, landed inside the assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site.

No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Amid the widespread unrest in Seoul, some protesters were heard chanting “Withdraw emergency martial law” outside the parliament. There were also shouts of “Step outside, step outside!” and “You can’t get in”.

According to South Korea’s news agency Yonhap, entrance to the National Assembly has been sealed, and MPs have been barred from entering the building. A leader of a minor opposition party in South Korea told AP that there were not enough lawmakers present to vote down the martial law declaration, as police blocked the entrance of the Parliament.

All military units of the country, which remains technically at war with the nuclear-armed North Korea, have been ordered to heighten their emergency alert levels and reinforce readiness measures.

HOW LONG WILL THE MARTIAL LAW CONTINUE?

It remains uncertain how long Yoon’s declaration of martial law will remain in effect. As per South Korean law, the imposition of martial law can be overturned by a majority vote in the 300-member National Assembly. However, with the opposition Democratic Party holding a parliamentary majority, the situation could lead to a political showdown.

South Korea’s military proclaimed that Parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, according to Yonhap news agency.

DOS & DON’TS DURING MARTIAL LAW

• Political Ban: All political activities, rallies, and actions against democracy are prohibited.
• Media Control: Media and publications under martial law oversight.
• Misinformation: Fake news and propaganda banned.
• No Strikes: Strikes and disruptive gatherings prohibited.
• Medical Recall: Medical staff must resume duties within 48 hours or face penalties.
• Citizen Safeguards: Minimal disruption for law-abiding citizens.

YOON SUK YEOL’S TELEVISED ADDRESS

During a televised address, President Yoon stated that martial law would be necessary to “rebuild and protect” the country from “national ruin”. He emphasised his commitment to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order”. Yoon further pledged to swiftly eliminate “anti-state forces” and normalise the country, urging the public to trust him despite any “inconveniences”.

“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 said.

“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,” he added.