SEOUL: In a major geopolitical development, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law” in the country on a television address. Soon after the shocking address, military troops stormed into the streets to detain opposition protestors. Yoon accused the opposition party of being in an unholy nexus with rival North Korea and indulging in anti-state activities.

Military troops now assigned with full power, were seen stepping inside the parliament building. Meanwhile, just hours after the announcement, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the emergency declaration invalid. According to South Korea’s constitution, the President’s martial law declaration should be reviewed by the cabinet and the National Assembly. The opposition accused the President of taking a unilateral stand on the issue.

Recently, President Yoon's party got in lock horns with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget. In the national assembly elections held earlier this year, the opposition party scripted a landslide victory.

With the martial law in place, there will be restrictions on civil liberties in the country. A large gathering has gathered in front of the general assembly building in protest.