MILITARY forces have stormed the parliament in South Korea after the country’s president declared martial law to thwart a rebellion claimed to have been inspired by Kim Jong-un.
Dramatic footage shows armed soldiers in camo fatigues being sprayed with fire extinguishers by protesters trying to form a human shield outside the National Assembly building in Seoul.
South Korean martial law soldiers try to enter the National Assembly compound in Seoul[/caption]
Armed military in fatigues being sprayed with fire extinguishers by protesters[/caption]
Soldiers prepare to enter the main hall of the National Assembly in Seoul following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law[/caption]
A helicopter is seen flying around the National Assembly hall[/caption]
South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party’s staff set up a barricade to block soldiers at the National Assembly[/caption]
The military attempted to enter parliament in a bid to shut it down as thousands of people gathered outside to stop the armed forces from taking over the government on orders from President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Chaos and confusion then erupted as a helicopter was seen landing on the roof of the parliament building and tanks were seen on streets outside.
Video footage showed crowds attempting to force their way through a set of doors inside amid scuffles and chants of “No to martial law!”
Armed with assault rifles, army men were seen pointing their guns directly at civilians and MPs as they battled to get into the building.
One clip showed South Korea’s special forces climbing windows to break into the building.
It comes after the dramatic midnight declaration by President Yoon imposing martial law in the state.
In a late-night emergency TV address, President Yoon Suk Yeol said he had no choice but to resort to military rule to safeguard freedom and constitutional order.
The president accused the country’s opposition party of controlling the parliament, being pro-North Korea and paralysing the government with anti-state activities.
Yoon said in his surprise TV address: “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order.”
But MPs from both the ruling party and opposition last night vowed to block his move following the shock declaration.
Normal civil rights can be suspended under martial law in which the military maintains security during national emergencies.
South Korea’s martial law commander said political activities were now “strictly prohibited” – but was openly defied by members of the national assembly last night amid spiralling tension.
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said the parliament will try to nullify Yoon’s martial law but the military may try to arrest members of parliament.
He urged the public to gather outside the National Assembly to protest against martial law.
Opposition MPs raced to get parliament building and veto the the president’s decision to impose martial law before getting arrested by the army.
They were seen setting a barricade to block the soldiers at the entrance of the National Assembly.
The country’s parliament has voted to block the president’s move to declare martial law after Jae-myung’s party called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers following Yoon’s announcement.
However, it is unclear if parliament’s motion demanding martial law be lifted will result in the military action being called off.
What is martial law?
MARTIAL law is the temporary replacement of a civilian government with military rule – typically during war or major disasters.
Historically, it has been brought in after coups, during protests, to suppress political dissent or stabilise insurrections.
It involves the military taking control of the normal legal system and control of civilians.
Ordinary laws and civil liberties may be suspended under martial law.
It is a drastic measure with significant implications for individual freedoms and the rule of law.
While it’s meant to be temporary, martial law can be indefinite.
Since taking office in 2022, Mr Yoon has struggled to push his agendas against an opposition-controlled parliament.
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party had been in a deadlock with the opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill.
He 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 UK government warned Brits in South Korea to avoid political protests in updated travel advice issued by the Foreign Office.
In a statement, the FCDO said: “We are closely monitoring the developing situation following the declaration of martial law in South Korea.”
Police attempt to hold back people trying to enter the National Assembly in front of the main gate[/caption]
