South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” Tuesday, accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities.

Yoon announced the move during a televised briefing. He declared the step critical for defending the country’s constitutional order.

However, it wasn’t immediately clear how the steps would affect the country’s governance and democracy.

Yoon, since taking office in 2022, has struggled to push his agendas against an opposition-controlled parliament.

Domestically, his administration has struggled with rising public discontent over economic inequality, unaffordable housing, and record-high household debt, exacerbated by inflation and economic instability following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yoon’s push for energy reforms, including revitalizing nuclear energy to address South Korea’s carbon emissions, has sparked public concern about nuclear safety.

Additionally, his emphasis on job creation and innovation faces hurdles amidst widespread economic uncertainty​

Internationally, Yoon has adopted a more assertive foreign policy, prioritising closer ties with the US and improving relations with Japan.

His efforts to strengthen South Korea’s role in global trade and align with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) have raised tensions with China, South Korea’s largest trade partner. Relations with North Korea remain fraught, with recent provocations intensifying inter-Korean tensions.

These challenges, alongside maintaining domestic stability and navigating a polarised political landscape, have put significant pressure on Yoon's presidency.

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