Military storms parliament in South Korea & clashes ERUPT after president declares MARTIAL LAW over ‘North Korea threat’

After the president of South Korea imposed martial law to quell a revolt allegedly led by Kim Jong-un, military personnel seized the country’s parliament.

Protesters attempting to create a human shield outside the National Assembly building in Seoul are seen spraying armed military personnel in fatigues with fire extinguishers in dramatic video from the incident.

Thousands of people gathered outside to prevent the military from seizing control, and the military tried to enter parliament to shut it down.

Then, as tanks were spotted on the streets outside and a helicopter was observed landing on the parliament building’s roof, chaos and panic broke out.

As they fought to enter the premises, soldiers brandishing assault rifles were observed aiming their weapons straight toward MPs and citizens.

In one video, special forces from South Korea were shown scaling windows to enter the structure.

It follows President Yoon’s shocking declaration of martial law in the state at midnight.

President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that the action was “critical for defending the country’s constitutional order” in an emergency TV speech late at night.

The president accused the opposition party of dominating the parliament, supporting North Korea, and using anti-state acts to paralyze the administration.

Yoon stated in a surprise television 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.”

The parliament will attempt to overturn Yoon’s martial law, but the military might attempt to detain lawmakers, according to South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung.

He called on people to demonstrate against martial law by congregating outside the National Assembly.

Before the army detained them, opposition MPs rushed to the parliament building to veto the president’s decision to declare martial law.

They were observed erecting a barricade at the National Assembly’s entrance to keep the military out.

Following Yoon’s declaration, Jae-myung’s party held an emergency meeting of its lawmakers, and the parliament agreed to resist the president’s attempt to impose martial law.

It is unclear, though, if the military action will be canceled in response to the parliament’s motion calling for the lifting of martial law.

Mr. Yoon has had difficulty advancing his goals against a parliament dominated by the opposition since assuming office in 2022.

The opposition Democratic Party and Yoon’s conservative People Power Party have been at odds over the budget plan for the following year.

His political enemies have swiftly and sharply criticized him for rejecting requests for independent inquiries into issues involving his wife and high-ranking officials.

In new travel advice published by the Foreign Office, the UK government cautioned British citizens visiting South Korea to stay away from political demonstrations.

The FCDO said in a statement: “We are closely monitoring the developing situation following the declaration of martial law in South Korea.”

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!