South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law
The president of South Korea has declared "emergency martial law", accusing the country's opposition of controlling the parliament and sympathising with North Korea.
Yoon Suk Yeol announced he was taking the step, which enacts temporary rule by the military, as it was critical for defending the country's constitutional order.
"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," Mr Yoon said.
The surprise move is the first declaration of martial law since the country's democratisation in 1987. It is unknown how long it could be in place.
Following Mr Yoon's announcement, South Korea's military proclaimed parliament and other political gatherings that could cause "social confusion" would be suspended, according to the country's government-funded Yonhap news agency.
It also reported all media and publishers will be under its control and the country's doctors, who have been striking for months over government plans, should return to work within 48 hours.
Police clash with protesters
In reaction to the martial law enforcement, police officers were seen blocking the entrance to the National Assembly building in Seoul.
Clashes between protesters and police were also seen as people inside the building appeared to run upstairs away from the entrance.
The opposition Democratic Party, which is led by Lee Jae-myung, said parliament will try to "nullify" the president's order, according to South Korean news channel YTN.
YTN also reported the leader of the country's Ruling People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, called the martial law "wrong" and vowed to block it.
Mr Lee had earlier called all politicians from his party to gather outside the parliamentary building, Yonhap reported.
According to the law in South Korea, the government must lift martial law if the majority of the National Assembly demands a vote.
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