President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers an emergency press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul to declare martial law, Tuesday. Courtesy of presidential office

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency press briefing late Tuesday night, claiming the urgent need to eradicate what he called "anti-state forces." The announcement stunned the nation, as many were taken by surprise by the sudden and drastic measure.

The five-minute live address, delivered around 10:24 p.m., took place behind closed doors. No journalists stationed at the presidential office were allowed entry into the briefing room, adding to the sense of secrecy surrounding the unexpected announcement.

"Dear citizens, I am proclaiming martial law to shield the Republic of Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eradicate the shameless pro-North, anti-state factions that are undermining our people's freedom and happiness. This is to safeguard the constitutional order of our nation," Yoon announced during the briefing.

"Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect our free Republic of Korea, which is teetering on the brink of collapse. To achieve this, I will resolutely eliminate the anti-state forces that have so far engaged in destructive acts with plans to topple the country," the president added, emphasizing that the move is "an unavoidable measure for the continuity of the Republic of Korea."

Yoon strongly criticized the opposition-dominated parliament, accusing it of undermining national governance by cutting essential budgets and attempting to impeach high-ranking government officials.

"Since our administration's launch (in 2022), the National Assembly has proposed 22 impeachment motions against government officials. Even after the 22nd National Assembly was inaugurated in June, impeachment proceedings have been initiated against 10 officials. This is unprecedented not only in (South) Korea but globally," he criticized.

Yoon said efforts to impeach judges and prosecutors have paralyzed the judicial branch, while attempts to impeach ministers and government officials have stalled the administration. He also pointed out that crucial budgets for essential state functions and public safety had been completely slashed, warning that this has turned South Korea into a hotspot for narcotics and a breeding ground for public safety crises.

He criticized the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), stating, "The DPK's legislative dictatorship has weaponized the budget for political strife, even pushing for fiscal impeachment."

Yoon added that while the declaration of martial law may cause some inconvenience to citizens, he pledged to take steps to minimize these disruptions and ensure that daily life is affected as little as possible.

"The measure does not alter our foreign policy stance of fulfilling Korea's responsibilities and contributions to the international community," he emphasized.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon arrives at the main building of the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. Yonhap

In the decree issued under the authority of martial law commander Park An-su, all political activities, including those of lawmakers, as well as nearly all forms of protests and rallies, have been banned. The decree also places full control of the press and publications under the martial law command. Additionally, all medical workers who have left their posts, including striking trainee doctors, are ordered to return to work within 48 hours. Those who fail to comply with the order will face punishment under martial law.

The decree said those violating its terms may be arrested, subject to search and seizure, and punished according to the law.

It went into effect at 11 p.m.

The defense minister convened a meeting with key commanders and ordered the military to remain on emergency alert.

Under the Constitution, the president has the authority to declare martial law in times of war, national emergency, or when it is deemed necessary to maintain public safety and order.

But martial law can be lifted if a majority of the Assembly demands its termination.

'No longer the president of South Korea'

Both the ruling and opposition parties strongly denounced the martial law declaration.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition DPK, declared during a YouTube live broadcast at around 10:53 p.m., that "President Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people. From this moment, he is no longer the president of the Republic of Korea."

He added that the president declared martial law without any justification.

"The judicial system has been completely suspended, and a military-led regime under martial law has begun. Soon, soldiers with tanks, armored vehicles, guns, and bayonets will dominate this country," he expressed his concerns that the South Korean economy will be devastated, warning that the already-struggling livelihoods of the people would deteriorate further.

Even the ruling People Power Party (PPP) seemed unprepared for the sudden turn of events.

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the conservative party and once a close ally of Yoon during their careers as prosecutors — a relationship now strained — condemned the martial law declaration as a serious mistake. He vowed to oppose it, standing with the people.

Arriving at the PPP headquarters in Yeouido late Tuesday night, Han denounced the proclamation as "an illegal and unconstitutional measure that fails to meet the required conditions."

"We will stand with the people to halt this unjust declaration of martial law and safeguard liberal democracy," Han said. "Even the PPP was completely blindsided by this decision. Rest assured, we will do everything necessary to overturn this unconstitutional act."

Police stand in front of the main entrance of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. Yonhap

The minor opposition Justice Party also issued an urgent statement criticizing Yoon's declaration of martial law as an unconstitutional act, urging him to immediately revoke the declaration.

"President Yoon's declaration of martial law is an unconstitutional and tyrannical act that directly violates Article 77 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea," it said.

While lawmakers from the DPK and PPP were planning to convene emergency meetings at the National Assembly to discuss countermeasures, the police initially locked the gates of the Assembly compound, preventing access.

Later, lawmakers, their aides, and Assembly administration staff were allowed entry, but tensions flared as scuffles broke out between those trying to enter and military personnel who arrived at the Assembly after being flown in by helicopter.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting with economy-related officials, including the heads of the Bank of Korea, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service.

The United States said it is in contact with the South Korean government and is monitoring the situation closely.

"The administration is in contact with the ROK government and is monitoring the situation closely," a spokesperson for the National Security Council told Yonhap News Agency via email. ROK stands for Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.