South Korea's Main Opposition Calls MPs to Parliament Following Martial Law Decision

Foreks - The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) urgently summoned lawmakers to the National Assembly late Tuesday following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of emergency martial law. President Yoon accused the opposition of "planning rebellion with anti-state activities" when announcing the emergency martial law. In a televised address, Yoon stated, "Martial law aims to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and maintain constitutional order of freedoms."

This decision came after the Democratic Party rejected a scaled-down budget proposal in the parliamentary budget committee and introduced motions to dismiss a state auditor and the Attorney General. The DP instructed its lawmakers to convene a meeting to discuss and initiate the necessary procedures for the lifting of martial law.

DP leader Lee Jae-myung described Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law as "unconstitutional" and condemned it as an act "against the people." Lee said, "President Yoon declared emergency martial law without reason. Tanks, armored vehicles, and armed soldiers are soon to take control of the country."

The head of the ruling party, Han Dong-hoon, stated that President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law is "wrong" and said he would "block it together with the people." Han, from the People Power Party, noted shortly after Yoon's declaration that pro-North Korean forces must be eliminated and the free constitutional order defended.