South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency in a televised address to the nation, accusing the main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities.
While he did not specify the measures to be taken, Yoon described the move as a response to the opposition Democratic Party’s proposal to impeach top prosecutors and its rejection of the government’s budget.
Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as outright anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion and turning the parliament into a den of criminals. He called the state of emergency a necessary step to eliminate pro-North, anti-state forces.
“The state of emergency is now crucial to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass a stable nation to future generations,” the president stated.
Yoon accused the opposition of turning the nation into a haven for drugs and creating a state of chaos detrimental to public safety and livelihoods. He also claimed that the Democratic Party was attempting to overthrow the liberal democratic system, saying, “The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in an unstable state, teetering on the edge of collapse. We will restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible.”
The president assured citizens that the public would not be burdened by the impact of the state of emergency.
Subsequently, a resolution demanding the revocation of the state of emergency was adopted at a plenary session of the South Korean parliament, according to the Yonhap news agency.
The resolution was passed unanimously, with all 190 attending lawmakers voting in favor.
Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo stated that, according to the resolution, President Yoon Suk Yeol must immediately lift the state of emergency.