US 'monitoring the situation closely' after South Korea declares martial law

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Biden administration is "monitoring the situation closely" after South Korea's president imposed martial law on Tuesday, a move decried by the opposition as "unconstitutional."

“The Administration is in contact with the ROK government and is monitoring the situation closely," a National Security Council spokesperson told Anadolu on condition of anonymity, referring to South Korea by its formal acronym.

In the startling move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said in an unannounced late-night television address that he was imposing martial law, saying the action was necessary to “protect the country from North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements.”

He claimed the decision was taken to remove pro-North Korea forces from the country while protecting the liberal constitutional order. He ruled out any changes to his government's foreign policy commitments to meet its international responsibilities.

Yoon, who has been struggling to push his government agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022, said he had no choice but to declare martial law.

His decision came after the opposition Democratic Party (DP) pushed through a reduced budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee and filed impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.

The defense minister has convened a meeting of key commanders and urged increased vigilance, the ministry announced in a statement late Tuesday. The minister also directed the military to remain on emergency duty.

Following the proclamation, all political activities, gatherings and demonstrations have been banned.

DP leader Lee Jae-myung condemned Yoon's announcement as "unconstitutional," saying it "goes against the people."

"President Yoon declared emergency martial law for no reason," Lee was quoted as saying. "Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country."

Lee said parliament would seek to overturn the president's declaration of martial law.