President Yoon lifts martial law denounced by opposition as 'coup'

SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted the emergency martial law early Wednesday morning, following a vote by the National Assembly to overturn his decision. The move came after a tense night of political drama, during which troops surrounded the parliament building and lawmakers voted to reject the president's declaration. The Cabinet approved the motion to end martial law enforcement at 4:30 a.m., approximately six hours after President Yoon&#

December 4, 2024

PHOTOS: Martial law forces enter National Assembly

December 4, 2024

What led Yoon to declare martial law?

SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - In an abrupt move, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, accusing "pro-North Korean forces" of "anti-government activities" attempting to subvert the country. What prompted him to resort to such a surprising late-night move? Yoon explained that the drastic measure was "unavoidable" to ensure the safety and freedom of the people, safeguard the nation, and protect South Korea's constitutional order. Y

December 4, 2024

Martial law forces enter National Assembly building

SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Martial law forces breached the National Assembly building late Wednesday night, just hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats to national security. Soldiers equipped with battle dress uniforms (BDUs), night vision goggles, and special warfare gear arrived at the National Assembly via military helicopters around 11:00 p.m. on Dec. 3. Dozens of troops moved toward the main building, where they clashed with c

December 4, 2024

Martial law bans political activities, curbs press freedom

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - Following the declaration of martial law Tuesday by President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Martial Law Command issued a sweeping proclamation to maintain public order and suppress subversive activities. It banned all political activities, including the operations of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and demonstrations. Acts aimed at overthrowing the liberal democratic system, such as spreading fake news, manipulating public opinion, and inciting

December 4, 2024

PHOTOS: Chaotic scenes on streets after martial law

December 4, 2024

General Park An-su appointed martial law commander; political activities banned

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - After declaring martial law on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed General Park An-su, the chief of staff of the army, as the martial law commander. Park, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1990. He has held key positions, including commander of an infantry division and chief of staff of an operation command. Following the inauguration of the Yoon administration, Park was promoted to lieutenant ge

December 4, 2024

National Assembly condemns martial law

SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - South Korea's ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party both criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration issued on Tuesday. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung condemned the martial law, calling it "unconstitutional and anti-people" in a late-night broadcast on his YouTube channel. "President Yoon has declared martial law without any legitimate cause. Soon, this country will be under the

December 3, 2024

President Yoon declares emergency martial law

SEOUL, December 3 (AJP) - In a late-night televised address on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing the need to eradicate "pro-North Korean forces and their anti-government activities" to protect South Korea's constitutional order. “This measure was unavoidable to ensure the safety and freedom of the people and to protect the country,” Yoon said from the presidential office. He emphasized that his administration would fo

December 3, 2024

Yoon declares martial law

SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing the need to "eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order." He made the announcement during an emergency address at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. The Defense Ministry has ordered heightened military readiness and convened an emergency meeting of key military commanders.

December 3, 2024