South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law this week amid escalating tensions between the ruling party and opposition lawmakers over the national budget.
Story Summary:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during a budget dispute, citing national security concerns.
- Martial law allows the military to oversee governance and temporarily suspend civil laws.
- South Korea has previously declared martial law during periods of significant unrest, such as the Gwangju Uprising in 1980.
Martial law in South Korea: What’s happening?
According to the administration, the move was necessary to “protect the Republic of Korea against communist forces” allegedly threatening the nation.
This announcement followed weeks of protests and heated disputes in parliament regarding the proposed 2025 budget.
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Critics accuse the president of overstepping his powers to quell dissent, while supporters argue that the decision aims to restore order and address perceived threats to national security.
Under martial law, the government temporarily replaces civil authority with military rule.
The president stated the measure would remain in place until stability is restored, and the military will oversee certain operations, including security enforcement and communications oversight.
How does martial law work, and when has it been declared in South Korea before?
Martial law grants military authorities control over civilian governance during crises such as war, rebellion, or severe civil unrest.
In South Korea, this measure is governed by the Constitution and requires presidential approval.
Martial law temporarily suspends ordinary laws and civil liberties, such as the right to protest or freedom of the press, allowing military leaders to impose curfews, censor communications, and take other emergency actions.
Historically, South Korea has declared martial law in moments of significant turmoil.
One of the most infamous instances occurred in 1980 during the Gwangju Uprising.
The military government, led by Chun Doo-hwan, imposed martial law to suppress pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.
The ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and remains a painful memory in South Korea’s democratic history.
Another notable example occurred in 1961 when Park Chung-hee declared martial law after a military coup that ousted the civilian government.
The measure allowed the regime to consolidate power and implement sweeping political and economic reforms, some of which laid the groundwork for South Korea’s rapid industrialisation.
President Yoon’s declaration marks the first time martial law has been invoked since the country’s transition to democracy in the late 20th century, sparking concerns over potential abuses of power.
