Martial law has been declared in South Korea.

Martial law has been declared in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that the decision was made with the aim of cleansing pro-North Korean elements from within the state.

In a live broadcast, Yoon stated, "I declare a state of emergency to protect liberal South Korea from the threats posed by the communist forces of North Korea and to eliminate anti-state elements."

Yoon, who also accused the opposition of paralyzing the government, said he would rebuild a democratic and free South Korea through martial law.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to impose his agenda against a parliament controlled by the opposition.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party of South Korea called its lawmakers to parliament following the decision.