South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced martial law during a late-night address that was broadcast live on YTN television. He stated that this decision was necessary to maintain free and constitutional order, claiming that opposition parties had effectively taken control of the parliamentary process, leading the nation into a crisis.

“I am declaring martial law to defend the free Republic of Korea against the threats posed by North Korean communist forces, to eliminate the reprehensible pro-North Korean anti-state elements that are undermining the freedom and well-being of our citizens, and to uphold the constitutional order,” Yoon declared.

He did not specify the exact measures that would be implemented. Yoon referenced a recent motion by the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, to impeach several top prosecutors, as well as its rejection of a government budget proposal.