The South Korean parliament has voted to block President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, Reuters reported. The move comes as he accused the opposition of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and crippling the administration through anti-state measures. A vote from 190 out of 300 lawmakers pushed to lift the ban, per CNN. This comes as protestors called for there to be “no martial law” and to “open the door.” Yoon said the measure was crucial to preserving the country’s constitutional system. Yoon said in a televised address, “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law.” President Yoon, who has faced constant challenges from the opposition-controlled National Assembly since taking office in May 2022, called the move critical to maintaining the country’s constitutional order. According to Yonhap, a military command that was established after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday issued an edict prohibiting any political activity, including protests and political party activities. Entry and exit from the country’s parliament have also been suspended. According to reports, MPs and legislative staff are not permitted to enter the premises.
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12:35 PM EST
Martial law is ‘extreme’ and undermines Korea’s democracy, warns expert
The declaration of martial law is an “extreme move that undermines Korea’s democratic institutions,” an expert has warned.
Celeste Arrington, the Korea Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, told Newsweek that it also revealed tensions between the opposition-lead National Assembly and the Korean president.
“It shows how frustrated President Yoon Suk-yeol has grown with the National Assembly, which the opposition party has controlled for his entire time in office since 2022,” she said.
“Recently, the legislators have been at loggerheads with the president over the government’s budget and the opposition party’s repeated efforts to impeach key government figures. But the declaration of martial law reveals a lack of the forbearance and mutual tolerance that scholars say is critical for a functioning democracy.”
12:24 PM EST
South Korea’s martial law ‘not linked to North Korea attack fears’
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday is about the domestic political situation rather than any fear of imminent attack by North Korea, an official in his office told Newsweek.
Yoon faces numerous challenges from the opposition Democratic Party, which has been seeking to impeach top prosecutors, and the chief auditor has rejected a government budget proposal as the president seeks to implement domestic reforms. His approval rating had sunk to 19 percent.
“It’s a mainly domestic situation. He believed he cannot run the government as usual,” the official in Yoon’s office told Newsweek, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The declaration of martial law was broadly criticized by Korea’s Democratic Party and by Yoon’s own People Power Party. The party’s leader, Han Dong-hoon, called martial law “wrong,” vowing: “We will stop it along with the people.”
Read in full from Ellie Cook and Matthew Tostevin on Newsweek.
12:01 PM EST
How often has the US declared martial law? Amid South Korea’s move
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday, citing the need to eliminate “anti-state” forces and accusing the opposition-controlled parliament of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
The move, reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian era in the 1980s, was swiftly condemned by both the opposition and leaders within Yoon’s conservative party.
Following the declaration, South Korea’s military announced the suspension of parliament and other political gatherings deemed to cause “social confusion,” according to Yonhap News Agency.
The duration of martial law remains uncertain, as South Korean law allows parliament to lift it with a majority vote, which the opposition Democratic Party could enforce.
Amid South Korea’s recent decision to declare martial law in response to escalating tensions, many Americans are questioning how frequently and under what circumstances such powers have been exercised in the United States.
While martial law is relatively rare, its history in the U.S. is marked by moments of crisis, from civil unrest to natural disasters.
11:57 AM EST
South Korean opposition party representative had to jump over a barrier to access assembly
Rep. Lee Seong-yoon of South Korea’s biggest opposition party talked to the BBC from the main Assembly Hall, where he was waiting for the vote to begin, saying that he had to jump over a 1.5m (4.9ft) tall barrier to get access to the assembly since police had barred him from entering despite his identity as a legislator.
11:50 AM EST
Celebrations amid parliament blocking martial law in South Korea
People were seen celebrating in footage captured following the parliament’s decision to block martial law.
11:35 AM EST
National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik’s office issues statement
Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik released a statement related to the martial law declaration.
“Dear citizens, this is the Speaker of the National Assembly. In response to the President’s declaration of martial law, the National Assembly will take appropriate measures in accordance with constitutional procedures.
“We ask the citizens to trust the National Assembly and calmly observe the situation. All members of the National Assembly are requested to convene in the main assembly hall immediately.
“In particular, we urge military and police forces to remain calm and maintain their positions.”
11:33 AM EST
Protestors clash with police

People try to enter as police officers stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 3, 2024.
People try to enter as police officers stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December 3, 2024.
Lee Jin-man/AP
South Korean protesters have clashed with police outside the National Assembly after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, alleging that the opposition party was exerting control over parliament, expressing support for North Korea, and conducting activities that weaken the government.
The protests erupted after the president announced the controversial move, with angry demonstrators gathering in large numbers to voice their opposition to the government’s decision.
11:25 AM EST
How will North Korea respond to South Korea’s martial law?
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pointed the finger at North Korea and the opposition in his surprise declaration of martial law during an unannounced television address to his country on Tuesday night, December 3.
Yoon told South Koreans martial law was necessary to “safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements,” taking aim at the Democratic Party, his liberal opposition.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, called the president’s declaration of martial law “wrong” and pledged to “stop it with the people” as protestors took to the streets. Parliament voted against martial law in a late-night session.
The under-pressure president has struggled to deliver on his platform. His approval rating is its lowest since his inauguration and his party suffered a major loss in parliamentary elections to those he now accuses of harboring pro-North Korean sympathies.
With the shock declaration of martial law, and Yoon’s references to Kim Jong Un‘s North Korea, Newsweek asked experts how Pyongyang would respond. This is what they said.
11:23 AM EST
UK Embassy ‘closely monitoring’ situation in South Korea
The United Kingdom Embassy in South Korea said they are “closely monitoring” the situation.
“We are closely monitoring the developing situation following a declaration of martial law in South Korea. Please monitor FCDO travel advice and register for updates.”
10:56 AM EST
Political activities banned in South Korea, says martial law commander Park An-su
Following the imposition of martial law, all political activities in South Korea were prohibited, and all media outlets would be monitored by the government, according to martial law commander Park An-su, via Barrons, citing AFP.
“All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited,” he said.
Then, he added, “All media and publications shall be subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.”
10:52 AM EST
Seoul mayor opposes martial law
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon opposes martial law and calls for it to be lifted.
Seoul mayor Oh se-hoon, who is in same party with president Yoon, stand against martial law and urges this declaration to be lifted. pic.twitter.com/PhNpRkq3yA
— Jaehwan Cho 조재환 (@hohocho) December 3, 2024
10:43 AM EST
Protestors urge police to ‘open the door’ at the National Assembly
Protestors at the National Assembly are demanding that police “open the door,” while also warning them, saying, “You are going to regret this. This is a sin that will go down the history,” according to a journalist on the scene.
I’m at the National Assembly. Reported military chopper flying low. Police with shields. People chanting “open the door” and confronting police, saying, “you are going to regret this. This is a sin that will go down the history.” More on @nknewsorg @southkoreapro pic.twitter.com/xqXeTjuj3V
— Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) December 3, 2024
10:36 AM EST
White House National Security says Biden Administration is ‘monitoring’ situation in South Korea
A White House National Security spokesperson said that U.S. President Joe Biden is aware of the situation in South Korea and that he has been in contact with its government.
The spokesperson said that Biden “is monitoring the situation closely.”
10:29 AM EST
IN PICTURES: Protestors try to enter National Assembly

Police stand guard in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul on December 3, 2024, after South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law. South Korea President Yoon on…
Police stand guard in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul on December 3, 2024, after South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law. South Korea President Yoon on December 3 declared emergency martial law, saying the step was necessary to protect the country from “communist forces” amid parliamentary wrangling over a budget bill.
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JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images
Police stood guard in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law.
10:27 AM EST
South Korea declaring martial law explained—what we know

A television screen shows South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking during a news broadcast in Goyang, northwest of Seoul on December 3, 2024, after he declared emergency martial law, saying the step was necessary…
A television screen shows South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking during a news broadcast in Goyang, northwest of Seoul on December 3, 2024, after he declared emergency martial law, saying the step was necessary to protect the country from “communist forces” amid parliamentary wrangling over a budget bill. “To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in a live televised address to the nation.
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Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the opposition party of controlling parliament, showing sympathy toward North Korea, and undermining the government through anti-state activities.
South Korea is focused on the security challenges posed by North Korea, which aligns itself with Russia. Pyongyang has sent troops to reinforce Moscow’s troops engaged in conflict with Ukraine’s forces.
Yoon made the announcement during a televised briefing, vowing to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in a live televised address.
Lee Jae-myung, the head of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, has described the proclamation of martial law as unconstitutional.
10:24 AM EST
Protestors try to enter National Assembly
Airborne forces are attempting to penetrate the back gate of the National Assembly, Marine Corps Reserve Regiment Director of External Cooperation Kim Hongtae shared on X.
[긴급 공지]
공수부대가 국회 후문으로 진입을 시도하고 있습니다.
후문 방어를 위해 일부 보좌진들께서는 지금 즉시 본청 후문으로 와주시기 바랍니다.
더불어민주당 보좌진협의회 pic.twitter.com/4uzWt9gLrt
— 𝙆𝙞𝙢 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙖𝙚 (@minjoo_hongtae) December 3, 2024
10:14 AM EST
South Korea won takes hit against U.S. dollar after martial law declaration
South Korea’s won plummeted dramatically against the US dollar on Tuesday, after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s rumored declaration of emergency martial law.
The US dollar increased by 1.9% versus the won, which fell to a two-year low on the announcement, CNBC reports.
09:55 AM EST
Decree of Martial Law in full
Today Korea has published the full decree of martial law from South Korea:
In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrow of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces that are lurking within the free Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following matters are hereby issued throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024.
1. The activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, as well as all political activities such as political associations, rallies, and demonstrations, are prohibited.
2. We prohibit any act that denies or attempts to overthrow the liberal democratic system, and prohibits fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda.
3. All press and publication are under the control of martial law.
4. Strikes, sabotage and gatherings that cause social disorder are prohibited.
5. All medical personnel who are on strike or leave the medical field, including specialist doctors, shall return to their duties within 48 hours and work faithfully, and any violators shall be punished in accordance with the Martial Law Act.
6. Measures shall be taken to minimize inconvenience to the general public, except for those who overthrow the regime such as anti-state forces.
Violators of the above decrees may be arrested, detained, and seized and searched without a warrant in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act of the Republic of Korea (Martial Law Commander’s Special Measures Authority), and shall be punished in accordance with Article 14 (Penalties) of the Martial Law Act.
2024.12.3.(Tue) Martial Law Commander Army Captain Park An-su
09:42 AM EST
Yoon’s recent struggles
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose support ratings have dropped considerably in recent months, has struggled to achieve his political program since his victory in 2022 because of opposition-controlled legislative obstruction, according to the Associated Press.
The president’s conservative ruling party has fought with the liberal Democratic Party on next year’s budget ratification. At the same time, Yoon Suk Yeol has rejected requests for an independent probe into issues involving his wife and high-ranking officials, prompting strong condemnation from opponents.
09:38 AM EST
‘It’s an all-or-nothing battle that benefits no one’: Head of the Institute for Presidential Leadership
Experts have warned that the martial law declaration can further polarize SOuth Korea’s political landscape, The Times of India reports.
“This confrontation has turned into a political war,” said the head of the institute for presidential leadership, Choi Jin. “It’s an all-or-nothing battle that benefits no one.”
09:31 AM EST
Entry to South Korea’s parliament blocked
Footage was posted to X of authorities blocking access to South Korea’s parliament.
09:26 AM EST
Yoon’s decision criticized as ‘unconstitutional’

South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung arrives at a court in Seoul on November 25, 2024. A South Korean court on November 25 will rule on charges of suborning perjury against main…
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung arrives at a court in Seoul on November 25, 2024. A South Korean court on November 25 will rule on charges of suborning perjury against main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. Lee is seen as a leading contender in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election, due for early 2027, but the 60-year-old faces a slew of legal cases. Jae-myung has called President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to declare emergency martial law ‘unconstitutional.’
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Kim Hong-Ji/Getty Images
Lee Jae-myung, the head of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, has called the proclamation of martial law illegal, the Yonhap News Agency reports.
09:21 AM EST
WATCH: ‘Not a soul’ on the streets of Seoul
A user on X captured footage of the empty streets of Central Seoul in South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared marshall law.
PRESIDENT YOON DECLARES MARTIAL LAW IN SOUTH KOREA.
NOT A SOUL OUT IN THE STREETS OF CENTRAL SEOUL AND ITS ONLY 11PM.
BRUH…. pic.twitter.com/jDDkgYRtna
— johncho {&} 🟢⚪️⚫️ k/acc (@Iam_JohnCho) December 3, 2024
09:19 AM EST
What is martial law?
Many legal experts see martial law as the deployment of military forces to significantly aid or fully replace a country’s normal legal system in times of emergency.
The amount of military assistance or activity utilized determines whether or not a particular usage of the military reaches to the level of martial law.
09:13 AM EST
South Korea declares emergency martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea, and engaging in anti-state activities that have paralyzed the government.
In a televised address, Yoon emphasized the necessity of this measure to defend the nation’s constitutional order.
Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”
The immediate implications for governance and democracy remain uncertain.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has faced challenges advancing his agenda due to an opposition-controlled parliament.
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party found itself at odds with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over the contentious 2024 budget bill.
The impasse deepened as Yoon dismissed mounting demands for independent investigations into scandals tied to his wife and high-ranking officials—an act that sparked swift and sharp criticism from his political adversaries.
In a swift response to Yoon’s latest move, the Democratic Party convened an emergency meeting with its lawmakers.
Read the full story by Michael D. Carroll and John Feng on Newsweek.