South Korean president declares martial law

The president has said  in an unannounced late-night television address that the step was necessary to “protect the country from North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements.”

He claimed that the decision was taken to remove pro-North Korea forces from the country while protecting the liberal constitutional order.

"The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom," Seoul-based Yonhap News said, quoting Yoon as saying in his address.

He ruled out any changes to his government's foreign policy commitments to meet its international responsibilities.

After President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, the defense minister convened a meeting of key commanders and urged increased vigilance, the ministry announced in a statement late Tuesday.

Following the proclamation, all kinds of political activities, gatherings and demonstrations have been banned.

Opposition sees move ‘unconstitutional’

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) rejected the imposition of martial law as “unconstitutional."

DP leader Lee Jae-myung condemned the move as "unconstitutional," saying it "goes against the people."

"Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with guns and swords will soon control the country," he warned.