The President of South Korea declared a state of emergency: Yoon Suk-yeol voiced the reason.

The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, declared a state of emergency, accusing the opposition Democratic Party of having sympathies for North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities.

In a surprising televised address to the nation late in the evening, Yoon stated that this decision is necessary to protect the country.

In order to protect liberal South Korea from the threats posed by the communist forces of North Korea and to eliminate anti-state elements... I hereby declare a state of emergency

The decision was made against the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between the ruling People’s Party and the opposition Democratic Party over next year's budget proposal. The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, convened an emergency meeting of lawmakers following Yoon's announcement.

The president, who took office in 2022, also rejects calls for an independent investigation into the scandals involving his wife and high-ranking officials, which has drawn sharp criticism from his political opponents.

Yoon Suk-yeol's approval rating has declined in recent months.

The specific measures that will be taken under the state of emergency were not clarified in the address.