South Korea is facing an unprecedented political crisis, as President Yeun Suk Yeol has announced martial law, citing “communist danger.”

Journalist Elisabeth Kiritsis, a resident of Seoul, describes to protothema.gr the country’s erratic situation, highlighting the tension and anxiety that has gripped citizens.

“We are experiencing great moments, completely out of the blue,” he notes, explaining how the country found itself in this whirlwind.

He said the president made a surprise announcement, announcing that the country was under martial law “to protect democracy”. However, according to her, the decision appears to have deeper political motivations, as it comes days after the president leaked a phone conversation with a friend that implicated him in scandals. “This phone call seems to implicate him in some cases and the opposition has been demanding his resignation for days,” he said, adding that the political confrontation has further intensified due to the impending budget vote, which the opposition is blocking.

The decision on martial law appears, Ms. Kiritsis says, to be a desperate move by the president to protect his position. He has shut down Parliament, ruling out any institutional process that could challenge him.

“The latest developments are dramatic. Crowds have gathered outside Parliament, while inside it 190 regional leaders and politicians have signed a petition against the coup,” he said, noting that despite the reactions, the president still has the final say, who remains secluded in the presidential palace, the Blue House.

The situation in Seoul is particularly tense, with security forces lined up around the parliament building. According to Ms Kiritsis, civilian protests have taken on a mass character, and authorities have resorted to using tear gas to break them up. “The army is everywhere. There are incidents, but people are not leaving, they are staying on the streets,” she said, outlining the tense atmosphere.

But the situation remains tense, with the situation in the streets of the city remaining tense.
In addition to the repressive measures, the government has also moved to censor, blocking internet search engines and forums in an attempt to limit the spread of information and coordination of the protests. Despite these measures, the reaction of citizens has been strong. The reporter points out that Seoul, one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals, has been paralyzed by the crisis, with schools remaining open unless new orders are issued.

The imposition of martial law in South Korea has also caused concern in the international community, as the country is seen as a model of democracy in Asia.

The move by President Yoon Suk Yeol, aimed at strengthening his authority, raises fears of a possible further escalation of the crisis. “The country is at a historic turning point. The future of democracy here is at stake,” she said, adding that citizens seem determined to defend their rights.

The coming hours and days will be decisive for the course of South Korea. The people, despite pressure and repression, continue to take to the streets, demanding the restoration of democracy. At the same time, the president remains silent, with the country at a dangerous crossroads. The outcome of this political crisis will not only affect South Korea but also the wider region, making these developments critical to the global political scene.