South Korea has formally declared martial law. President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a late-night television address on Tuesday, December 3, and explained how this would protect the “free Republic of Korea” from North Korea and its “communist forces.”
Why Did South Korea Declare Martial Law?
President Yoon Suk Yeol said he opted for 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,” according to multiple outlets.
He accused South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party of perpetuating “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion,” which have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals,” according to the president.
The president also alleged that the opposition party has been sympathizing with North Korea. He did not indicate a direct threat from North Korea.
“The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse,” President Yoon Suk Yeol added, per CNN. “We will eliminate the anti-state forces and restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible.”
What Is Martial Law?
Historically, martial law has been used during times of political turmoil or other emergencies. It is enacted when civilian government and/or authorities are deemed incapable of working as effectively as military authorities, and therefore, military governance acts as a temporary replacement.
Martial law can last for however long a political leader chooses. It can also last for indefinite periods of time.
It is currently unclear how long South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol plans to keep the country in a state of martial law.
Has South Korea Ever Declared Martial Law Before?
Yes, South Korea has been in a state of martial law before. Since the Republic of Korea was founded in 1948, martial law has been declared 10 times, according to Newsweek.
Has the United States Ever Declared Martial Law?
Yes, the United States has been in a state of martial law. Among the most infamous events in U.S. history was after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Hawaii – which was then a territory and not a U.S. state — was under martial law for about three years.
