play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

South Korea’s Military Says Martial Law In Place Despite Parliament’s Rejection

Background

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

SEOUL (Worthy News) – South Korea’s military warned Tuesday that martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol would remain in place “until he lifts it” despite the parliament’s majority vote against the measure.

In an unexpected late-night television address, Yoon announced martial law for the first time in more than four decades since the end of the military dictatorship in the late 1980s.

Yoon told the nation late Tuesday that the move was necessary as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces” working with the opposition were trying to overthrow the free democracy.”

Protesters soon arrived at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, where reporters heard people screaming and chanting. At the same time, security forces and police buses filled the area with their sirens.

According to South Korean media, lawmakers arrived there to vote on the martial law declaration, some breaking through police barriers and entering through windows.

The South Korean National Assembly then voted to block President Yoon‘s martial law declaration, with 190 lawmakers in the 300-seat assembly in favor. The result drew applause from the gathered lawmakers, witnesses said.

Yoon, who was elected president in 2022, has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls Parliament.

PLUNGING APPROVAL RATINGS

Amid the turmoil, his government faced plunging public approval ratings, which critics say may have contributed to declaring martial law.

The measure enables Yoon, 63, to replace the civilian government by military rule and suspend civilian legal processes for military powers.

The martial law he announced contained six mandates, with alleged violations resulting in arrest and search or seizure without a warrant. “All political activities – including those of the legislature, the National Assembly – are prohibited. Any act that “attempts to overthrow the liberal democratic system is prohibited,” the order said.

Additionally, “Fake news, manipulation of public opinion, and false propaganda” are also prohibited. And the news media is “under martial law control,” ending press freedom.

Strikes, work stoppages, and protests that “incite social unrest” are prohibited. According to the law, medical workers “have 48 hours to return to work or face punishment.”

However, even Han Dong-hoon, the chairman of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s People Power Party, called the president’s declaration of martial law “wrong” in a statement on Tuesday. “We will stop it along with the people,” he said.

Yet, as security forces gathered in the streets of Seoul, it was not immediately clear when the nation would return to a sense of normalcy.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Trump Warns Iran Over Hezbollah, Strait of Hormuz as Vance Opens Talks in Switzerland
Trump Warns Iran Over Hezbollah, Strait of Hormuz as Vance Opens Talks in Switzerland
Sunday, June 21, 2026

President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened Iran with renewed military strikes if Tehran fails to restrain Hezbollah in Lebanon or keep the Strait of Hormuz open, even as Vice President J.D. Vance opened high-stakes talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland.

Netanyahu Vows Israel Will Hold Lebanon Security Zone as U.S.-Iran Talks Falter
Netanyahu Vows Israel Will Hold Lebanon Security Zone as U.S.-Iran Talks Falter
Sunday, June 21, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel will maintain its security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary, even as U.S.-Iran talks opened in Switzerland and appeared to stall after fresh threats from President Donald Trump.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns Belarus As Russian Strikes Kill Civilians Across Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns Belarus As Russian Strikes Kill Civilians Across Ukraine (Worthy News Radio)
Sunday, June 21, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned his nation that Russian forces may be preparing a major new offensive and urged Ukrainians to remain vigilant as fresh attacks across the country killed at least seven people, including civilians living near the front lines.

US-Iran Hold Talks In Switzerland Amid Middle East Turmoil
US-Iran Hold Talks In Switzerland Amid Middle East Turmoil
Sunday, June 21, 2026

With the Middle East in turmoil, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived Sunday in the peaceful Alpine nation of Switzerland to help hammer out a deal aimed at ending the U.S.-Israel war with Iran that has engulfed much of the region and sent shockwaves through the global economy.

Hungarian President Warns PM Magyar Seeks More Power Than Orbán
Hungarian President Warns PM Magyar Seeks More Power Than Orbán
Sunday, June 21, 2026

Hungary’s president has warned that recently elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar is plotting a takeover of state institutions that would give him more power than his predecessor, Viktor Orbán.

Poland-Ukraine Tensions Rise Over Wartime Legacy Dispute
Poland-Ukraine Tensions Rise Over Wartime Legacy Dispute
Sunday, June 21, 2026

A diplomatic dispute between Poland and Ukraine intensified Sunday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he was returning Poland’s highest state honor following a decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to strip him of the award.

Dutch Town Reels After 13-Year-Old Girl Detained In Parents’ Deaths
Dutch Town Reels After 13-Year-Old Girl Detained In Parents’ Deaths
Saturday, June 20, 2026

A Dutch community remained in shock Saturday after a 13-year-old girl was detained following the discovery of her parents’ bodies in their home in the northern Netherlands.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT