On Tuesday evening, people at a bus station in Seoul watch a television screen showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s briefing.

Ahn Young-joon/AP

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Ahn Young-joon/AP

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of trying to paralyze the government through subversive activities.

In a surprise televised address late in the evening, Yoon said the move was necessary to protect the country. He also accused the left-leaning opposition of being sympathetic to North Korea and vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”

“Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is plunging into the depths of national ruin,” Yoon said in his speech, without specifying how martial law would be enforced.

Yoon also urged South Koreans to have faith in him and tolerate “some unpleasantness” as he promised to “eliminate anti-state forces as soon as possible and normalize the country.”

Yoon’s speech shocked the nation

It was the first time since 1980 that a South Korean president declared martial law.

Following Yoon’s announcement on Tuesday, all political activities, including political associations, rallies and demonstrations, are banned. Media and publications are under the control of the Martial Law Command.

Yoon’s speech shocked the nation, and opposition leaders immediately condemned the declaration of martial law as unconstitutional. Local media reported that dozens of deputies arrived at the National Assembly, the country’s parliament, to stop the president’s decree.

Soldiers have also arrived on the parliament grounds. But scores of protesters and lawmakers’ aides are trying to block their access to the main building, where lawmakers are gathering.

Yoon, a conservative former chief prosecutor, took office in 2022 and faces a parliament dominated by the liberal opposition People Power Party. In recent weeks, the two parties have been at an impasse over the state budget for next year.

Meanwhile, Yoon struggles with low approval ratings and is embroiled in scandals, including those involving his wife.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.