North Korea condemned South Korea after its recent declaration of martial law, accusing President Yoon Suk Yeol of plunging the nation into chaos. On Wednesday, Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s main newspaper, labeled the South a “pandemonium” following President Yoon’s attempt to seize control of the National Assembly.
The turmoil began on December 3, when President Yoon ordered troops to intervene in South Korea’s National Assembly. This move provoked widespread protests across the country, leading opposition lawmakers to attempt an impeachment vote. However, Yoon’s party boycotted the effort, leaving South Korea grappling with a political vacuum.
However, critics argue that the instability could hinder the nation’s ability to respond to any provocations from North Korea. In recent years, the tension between the two Koreas has escalated significantly. North Korea has launched balloons filled with trash while South Korea retaliated with border loudspeaker broadcasts.
After North Korea condemned South Korea, Kim Jong-un declared reunification efforts dead, branding South Korea an enemy and threatening nuclear action. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative leadership has faced declining approval since his 2022 election. His removal could shift power to Democrats, who might advocate a dialogue with North Korea.
On Saturday, opposition parties want to resume their impeachment campaign. If the vote goes in their favor, Yoon will be suspended, and the Constitutional Court will decide his future. The previous bill questioned Yoon’s foreign policies, mainly how he handled ties with China, Russia, and Japan.
Lee Jae-myung acknowledged that the bill’s reference to Yoon’s foreign policies was incorrect. He said that the reference to Yoon Suk Yeol’s foreign policies would be removed in a revised bill. Lee further stated that the next bill will be simplified and only address domestic issues. South Korea’s Constitution grants martial law powers during emergencies but requires legislative approval to sustain them.
