European countries express concern about martial law declaration in South Korea

​​​​​​​By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - European countries expressed concern Tuesday about developments in South Korea that were prompted after the president declared martial law.

A spokesperson for the Irish Foreign Ministry told Anadolu that Ireland is aware of the developments and is monitoring the unfolding situation.

"Irish citizens are advised to keep updated by following reliable media sources, and to avoid any public demonstrations during this time," said the spokesperson. "Any citizen in the region who has concerns should contact the Irish Embassy in Seoul or the Department of Foreign Affairs."

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday -- a move immediately rejected as "unconstitutional" by the opposition, which subsequently voted to reverse it.

Yoon, in an unannounced late-night television address, said the step was necessary to “protect the country from North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements.”

The British Foreign Office expressed "deep concern" about the situation and said it is in contact with South Korean authorities.

"We call for a peaceful resolution to the situation, in accordance with the law and the constitution of the Republic of Korea. British Nationals in South Korea should continue to monitor and follow FCDO travel advice," Catherine West, minister for the Indo-Pacific, said in the statement.

The German Foreign Ministry wrote on X: "We are following developments in South Korea closely and with great concern. Democracy must prevail."