Political situation in South Korea

The party leader: "Wrong decision - will be stopped"

Han Dong-Hoon, party leader of President Yoon Suk-Yeol's ruling right-wing PPP party, says the president's decision to impose martial law was wrong and vows to stop it. Reuters reports.

At the same time, the opposition Democratic Party, the largest party in parliament, rages against the decision and calls it unconstitutional.

Party leader Lee Jae-Myung has urged all MPs to come in for a vote. Under South Korean law, martial law must be invoked if a parliamentary majority votes for it.

According to the same laws, the military is also not allowed to arrest members.

South Korea faces martial law – all political activity is banned by the military

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declares martial law in the country, due to what he calls the political opposition's hostile actions against the state, AP writes.

According to the military, all party political and parliamentary activity is now banned, and all media and publishers are under their control. All medical personnel are ordered to work within 48 hours, writes Reuters.

According to the president, there are communists and pro-North Korea elements in the opposition. He promises to clear them out and restore "a free and democratic country", writes Reuters.

The statement was made during a televised speech. According to members, the doors to the parliament have been barred.

Since becoming president in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his political agenda through the opposition-controlled parliament.

Today's events take place after a budget row in parliament.