EBN- South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in the country on Tuesday for the first time in about 45 years.
Martial law was declared under Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, which allows the president to declare martial law in the event of war, armed conflict, or any other exceptional security situation that requires the use of the military to maintain order.
The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in October 1979, against the backdrop of student unrest against the regime of President Park Chung-hee, who was assassinated in the same month.
Martial law was expanded during the military rule led by Chun Doo-hwan, who came to power in a coup in 1980, which the new regime used to consolidate its power in the country and suppress protests.
Martial law was lifted in January 1981 after Chun Doo-hwan took office as president.
South Korean authorities have not resorted to martial law or a state of emergency since then.
Here is the full text of the martial law declaration issued by Gen. Park An-su, Martial Law commander Army chief of Staff:
“The Command proclaims the following as of 11 p.m. on December 3, 2024, in order to protect free democracy from anti-state forces secretly operating in the free Republic of (South) Korea and their threats over state subversion, as well as public safety.
“1. All political activities, including activities by the National Assembly, regional assemblies and political parties, and political association, rallies and protests, are banned.
“2. All acts that deny the free democratic system or attempt to overthrow the state, as well as dissemination of fake news, manipulation of public opinion and false incitement, are banned.
“3. The press and all publications will be controlled by the Command.
“4. Strikes, slowdowns and rallies that promote social confusion will be banned.
“5. Trainee doctors and all other medical professionals who are engaging in strikes or have walked off their jobs will have to faithfully return to work within 48 hours or face punishment under the Martial Law Act.
“6. Measures will be taken to minimize inconvenience for members of the general public in their daily lives, with the exception of forces seeking to overthrow the state, such as anti-state forces.
“Violators of the decree may face arrest, detention, and warrantless search and seizure in accordance with Article 9 of the Martial Law Act, and they will be punished in line with Article 14 of the Martial Law Act.”
