South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared an emergency martial law accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament.
In a televised briefing, Yoon announced the martial law and vowed to eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.
Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin, he said.
Yoon also added that he will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalise the country.
"I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Yoon said.
Yoon's conservative People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year's budget bill. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has been struggling to push his agenda against the opposition-controlled parliament.
It is the first time since 1980 that martial law was declared in South Korea.
Reportedly, under martial law, the activities of parliament and political parties would be banned and there would be restrictions on media and publishers as well.
However, the specific measures to be undertaken under the law are yet to be known.
The unexpected sudden move by the president erupted protests in South Korea as well.
"Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country," Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
"The economy of the Republic of Korea will collapse irretrievably. My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly," he added.