Military Suspends All Parliamentary Activity Amid Tensions in South Korea

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The South Korean military has announced the suspension of all parliamentary activities, reportedly barring assembly members from entering the building.

Yonhap News Agency's report has not been independently verified, and the parliament speaker plans to convene a session despite the military's intervention, according to YTN TV. The political crisis continues to unfold, with key developments expected, as of December 4, 2024,

The suspension comes amid President Yoon’s controversial declaration of emergency martial law, which has drawn sharp criticism from various political factions. Yoon vowed to "eliminate anti-state forces" and restore stability to the country, though many argue his actions undermine democratic principles.

Opposition leaders have swiftly condemned the president’s steps, with some labeling his measures as "illegal and unconstitutional." Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition, called Yoon's decision a "blatant overreach," warning of potential long-term damage to South Korea's political system.

Yoon’s own party is not unified in support, with Han Dong-hoon, a senior conservative figure, calling the martial law declaration "wrong." He promised to work with the public to "stop it," signaling growing dissent even within Yoon’s ranks.

With the nation’s democratic order hanging in the balance, the future of South Korea’s governance remains uncertain. The military's unprecedented action and the president’s emergency measures have pushed the country into an uncharted political crisis.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi