Soldiers Enter the National Assembly Following 'Martial Law Proclamation'

Following President Yoon Suk-yeol's proclamation of martial law on the 3rd, the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul was dissolved. After the proclamation, several helicopters appeared in the skies above the National Assembly, and soldiers entered, confronting civilians.

At 12 PM on the 4th, about 50 soldiers in military uniforms gathered in front of the National Assembly's main building to control the situation. Earlier, President Yoon Suk-yeol had an emergency conversation at the Yongsan Presidential Office, stating, "To suppress the rebellion and maintain order, martial law is proclaimed," just an hour after the proclamation.

After President Yoon's conversation, not only politicians like members of the Democratic Party but also ordinary citizens gathered at the National Assembly to confirm the situation. The police, caught off guard by the sudden proclamation, controlled the scene. Although members of the National Assembly and related personnel were allowed inside, ordinary citizens were strictly controlled from entering.

Here, even soldiers joined, and the situation escalated as soldiers and civilians confronted each other. As tensions rose, civilians hurled harsh words at soldiers and police. Some civilians even questioned the soldiers, "Where are you from, and why are you here?" In front of the barricades, civilians confronted soldiers.

After President Yoon's martial law proclamation, members of the Democratic Party and People Power Party are continuously gathering at the National Assembly.

Reporter Cho Cheol-oh cheol@hankyung.com