It is a whole new world in South Korea where for the first in almost half a CENTURY an ’emergency martial law’ has been declared over a threat from North Korea.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday said he had no choice but to resort to such a measure to safeguard free and constitutional order.
He accused opposition parties for allegedly taking hostage of parliament to throw the country into a crisis and for sympathising with North Korea.
‘I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,’ he said.
It has been reported that the parliament building has been shut, with entry and exit blocked to members.
South Korean Democratic Party chair Lee Jae-myung says there is high possibility military is mobilised to arrest members of National Assembly.
Martial law involves the temporary rule by military authorities. It is usually invoked in time of war, rebellion, or natural disaster.
Curfews are usually introduced, in addition to the suspension of civil law and civil rights. Civilians defying martial law being subjected to military tribunals.
Yook did not say in the shock announcement – broadcast live on national television – what specific measures will be taken.
He declared the step as critical for defending the country’s constitutional order.
It was not immediately clear how the steps would affect governance and democracy.
UPDATE 10:36 AM EST --
South Korean Army Chief-of-Staff General Park An-su has CONFIRMED martial law, with the suspension of parliament and political parties.
In the (new) image atop this story, the South Korea military is entering the Parliament building. Below, Military helicopters are filling the sky over the capital city, Seoul:
He added that the government had imposed control over all media.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol suspended democratic rule in response to preparations by parliament to begin impeachment proceedings against him.
UDATE 11:11 AM EST --
Troops enforcing martial law in South Korea are attempting to enter the building of the National Assembly of the country, and there is a clash with citizens at the entrance. This was reported by the YTN television channel.
Citizens gathered at the entrance, including members of parliament, are not allowing a small detachment of soldiers into the building. So far, the civilians have managed to hold back the soldiers.
• The parliament has been completely dissolved.
• The martial law government has taken control of all municipalities.
• The military has seized critical points.
• It has been announced that anyone who resists will be shot or arrested.
UPDATE 11:20 AM EST --
"COUP?????"
South Korean opposition leader declares a coup, stating "Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer the president of South Korea."
UPDATE 11:34 AM EST --
In the Martial Law Declaration, the President declared the South Korea parliament ‘dissolved.’ BUUUUUT . . . the South Korea Parliament just convened and held a vote to LIFT Martial Law. The vote was 190 to zero. Looks like they’re not complying.
Under South Korean law, the Martial Law Act explicitly states that if the National Assembly demands an end to martial law, the president is obligated to revoke it "without any delay."
While the Assembly has voted to block President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration, the president has to formally still lift martial law. It is not over, yet.
South Korean opposition leader Jae-Myung: “All soldiers still enforcing the martial law decision will be tried for treason.” “There will be consequences for your actions; courts and prisons await you.”
On its face, this appears to be pure, governmental chaos going on right now.
Likely NOT a good time for the NORTH KOREANS to do anything…I’m guessing that the safeties are off and the South Korean generals are in charge of defense…likely with little to no civilian oversight.
A very dangerous time in Korea right now…things could go sideways with the North very quickly and without warning.
Hal Turner Initial Analysis
This could very well be related to Ukraine. Who is it that's been supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells, ammunition and perhaps even rockets? NORTH KOREA.
If the Korean War is RE-STARTED - because it never actually ended, there is only an Armistice - then North Korea might not be able to continue supplying weaponry to Russia for Ukraine (and Syria.)
1 month ago:
European Union's Borrell visits South Korea amid alarm over North Korean troops in Russia.
6 days ago:
Ukrainian envoy visits South Korea (they already got part of a loan -$100 million- of the up to $2.1 billion, on Nov 29) but the Koreans opposed sending arms.
4 days ago:
Russian Defense Minister appeared in North Korea for Unannounced Visit.
On its face, this is all connected: Russia, Ukraine, Syria, Georgia, and now, South Korea.
Somebody very powerful, WANTS World War 3. Whoever that is, needs to be "ended."
UPDATE 12:02 PM EST --
South Korean military is saying the martial law will remain in place until the president officially lifts it.
UPDATE 12:28 PM EST --
South Korea stock markets are in shear chaos:
South Korean People Taking to the Streets:
And in front of the National Assembly Building:
UPDATE 5:50 PM EST --
The situation in South Korea is significantly worsening. The Military has told the Parliament that, under South Korean Law and the military chain of Command, Martial Law cannot be lifted or nullified by the Parliament; it can only be lifted when the President -- who declared it - decides to lift it.
Arrest teams and Warrants were issued for the leaders of all political parties. They are, as follows:
Lee Jae-myung - Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea
Han Dong-hoon - People Power Party leader
Woo Won-sik - Democratic Party of Korea
