South Korea was a scene of chaos on Wednesday morning after its President shocked the nation by declaring martial law to protect the country from “communist forces”, as thousands of residents stormed out in protest over the move, clashing with police and soldiers.
South Korea’s President is set to lift his martial law declaration just hours after the announcement rocked the nation, triggering protests and chaotic parliamentary scenes.
Yoon Suk Yeol told the country on Tuesday night the declaration was made to protect the country against “threats by North Korea’s communist forces”.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” President Yoon said to the nation of 51 million people.
The President continued: “Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin. I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country.”
Protests erupted over the martial law announcement. Picture: Kim Do-hoon/Yonhap via AP
The announcement quickly triggered protests, with locals demonstrating outside parliament in the heart of Seoul at night and chanting “no to martial law”.
Others called for the leader to be arrested.
Hundreds of police were deployed to control the unrest across the city, but officers struggled to push back against protesters seen on live TV clashing with authorities.
