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.
Yoon cited constant obstruction by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), which controls a majority of parliamentary seats, including attempts to drastically slash next year's budget and impeach cabinet members with over a dozen motions since early this year, paralyzing the National Assembly.
The surface reasons for Yoon's surprise declaration lie in political wrangling over a budget bill, but that does not appear to be sufficient to justify martial law.
In fact, Yoon claimed that the DP has been throwing the country into a crisis for the sake of its leader Lee Jae-myung, who is embroiled in multiple trials, including charges of corruption, embezzlement and others. But Lee insists he is innocent of all charges and accuses prosecutors of launching a politically motivated investigation.
Yoon has also been assailed by persistent demands from the DP for special probes into several accusations, including his wife's alleged involvement in the ruling People Power Party's candidate nominations ahead of the general elections last April, a stock manipulation scheme, and the acceptance of a luxury handbag.
Yoon offered explanations for a mounting scandal involving the first lady, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, martial law was declared for the first time in over 40 years, since the disgraced former President Chun Doo-hwan imposed it in 1980 after seizing power in a military coup.
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