Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun / Yonhap

South Korea's Martial Law Command announced plans to establish a press office on Nov. 4, that will assume the responsibilities previously handled by the Ministry of National Defense and government spokespersons. This new office will also implement media control and censorship.

Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law late Tuesday, the Martial Law Command, led by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, issued its first proclamation, banning political activities and announcing full control over all media and publishing across South Korea.

According to the Martial Law Act, the press office is tasked with "public relations and psychological operations for maintaining order." Updates on the Martial Law Command's activities will be disseminated through this office.

In addition, all military units have been ordered to recall their officers. Initially, the emergency standby applied only to battalion commanders, but by the morning of Dec. 4, all officers, including those on leaves, have been ordered to report back to their posts.

The Ministry of National Defense has also instructed all of its staff to return to work.

The martial law declaration is believed to have been recommended by Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Under the Martial Law Act, either the defense or interior minister has the authority to propose the declaration of martial law to the president through the prime minister when a situation arises that warrants such a measure.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.