Year-end K-Pop music shows, demonstrations, and other public events across South Korea have been abruptly canceled following the government’s imposition of emergency martial law. The sweeping measures include a ban on all protests and political activities, while the nation’s media has been placed under strict government control.
Army Chief Park An-su was named Martial Law Commander on Tuesday night, just an hour after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law for the first time in 44 years.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” on Tuesday, accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities.
Riot police has been deployed in-front of the Parliament to prevent members from entering. Yoon has vowed to eliminate pro- North Korean forces.
Under the declaration, activities involving the National Assembly and political parties are suspended. Additionally, all forms of political expression, including protests and public gatherings, have been outlawed. The statement also announced that news media and publications would operate under the strict oversight of martial law authorities.
“Acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are strictly prohibited,” the declaration stated. It also banned the spread of fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda.
The martial law decree grants law enforcement the authority to arrest violators without a warrant, underscoring the severity of the government’s stance.
South Korean leader of the opposition Lee Jae-myung said Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer the president of South Korea.
