On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law during an unexpected late-night broadcast on television, stating his intention to eliminate “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”

While he did not refer to any immediate threats from North Korea, Yoon directed his comments toward his domestic political opponents. The announcement shocked the nation, which, despite having experienced periods of authoritarian rule, has been considered a democracy since the 1980s.

Following the address, the Korean won sharply declined against the US dollar. The White House has yet to comment on the situation.

Yoon argued that martial law was necessary to protect the constitutional order and the country’s freedom, claiming that opposition parties had taken control of the parliamentary process and were pushing the country into crisis.

He explained, “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the pro-North Korean anti-state forces, and to protect the free constitutional order.”

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, from the Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, reacted strongly, claiming that tanks, armored personnel carriers, and armed soldiers would soon control the country, leading to an economic collapse. He urged citizens to join him at the National Assembly.

Yoon’s declaration followed a motion by the Democratic Party to impeach some of the country’s top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal. Yoon criticized this action, stating that it severely undermined government administration.