Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of South Korea, has declared martial law. In an unannounced late-night TV address, Yoon accused the country’s main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and anti-state activities. According to the Associated Press, Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” DEVELOPING: South Korea president has just declared emergency martial law. Says measure necessary to protect country from North's "communist forces." All media outlets are now under government control due to martial law. pic.twitter.com/ljtddZDzam — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 3, 2024 “Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin,” Yoon said, according to Collin Rugg. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he added. WATCH: NEW: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law, accusing the opposition party of “sympathizing with North Korea and of anti-state activities.” (CNN) “Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into… pic.twitter.com/PwzK8N9qxg — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 3, 2024 Per CNN: Yoon labeled the opposition’s actions as “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion.” He further claimed these acts have “paralyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals.” He describing martial law as a necessary measure to eradicate these “shameless pro-North anti-state forces.” He justified the decision as essential to protect the freedoms and safety of the people, ensure the country’s sustainability, and pass on a stable nation to future generations. The parliament speaker is traveling to parliament and plans to convene a session, according to local broadcaster YTN TV. Yonhap news agency reported though that the entrance to parliament is blocked and lawmakers are unable to enter. Yoon accused the opposition of turning the nation into a “drug haven” and creating a state of disorder detrimental to public safety and livelihood. He also said the Democratic Party was attempting to overthrow the liberal democratic system, declaring, “The National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse.” Access to South Korea's parliament blocked, members unable to enter. https://t.co/d2JEECqpEc pic.twitter.com/LzQ1DaZ46d — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 3, 2024 From the Associated Press: Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. Yoon’s conservative People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also been attempting to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations on Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. Yoon has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. The Democratic Party reportedly called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers following Yoon’s announcement. This story is developing.