![\"Why](\"https:\/\/hollywoodlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/GettyImages-2188032436_9dc636-e1733238597859.jpeg?resize=384%2C216\")
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South Korea has formally declared martial law. President Yoon Suk Yeol<\/strong> appeared in a late-night television address on Tuesday, December 3, and explained how this would protect the \u201cfree Republic of Korea\u201d from North Korea and its \u201ccommunist forces.\u201d<\/p>\n President Yoon Suk Yeol said he opted for martial law to \u201cprotect 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,\u201d according to multiple outlets<\/a>.<\/p>\n He accused South Korea\u2019s opposition Democratic Party of perpetuating \u201cclear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion,\u201d which have \u201cparalyzed state affairs and turned the National Assembly into a den of criminals,\u201d according to the president.<\/p>\n The president also alleged that the opposition party has been sympathizing with North Korea. He did not indicate a direct threat from North Korea.<\/p>\n \u201cThe National Assembly has become a monster undermining liberal democracy, and the nation is in a precarious state, teetering on the edge of collapse,\u201d President Yoon Suk Yeol added, per CNN<\/a>. \u201cWe will eliminate the anti-state forces and restore the country to normalcy as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Historically, martial law has been used during times of political turmoil or other emergencies. It is enacted when civilian government and\/or authorities are deemed incapable of working as effectively as military authorities, and therefore, military governance acts as a temporary replacement.<\/p>\n Martial law can last for however long a political leader chooses. It can also last for indefinite periods of time.<\/p>\n It is currently unclear how long South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol plans to keep the country in a state of martial law.<\/p>\n Yes, South Korea has been in a state of martial law before. Since the Republic of Korea was founded in 1948, martial law has been declared 10 times, according to Newsweek<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n Yes, the United States has been in a state of martial law. Among the most infamous events in U.S. history was after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Hawaii \u2013 which was then a territory and not a U.S. state \u2014 was under martial law for about three years.<\/p>\n \n\t\t<\/div>\nWhy Did South Korea Declare Martial Law?<\/h2>\n
What Is Martial Law?<\/h2>\n
Has South Korea Ever Declared Martial Law Before?<\/h2>\n
Has the United States Ever Declared Martial Law?<\/h2>\n