Read the full text of South Korea’s martial law decree

South Korea's president accused the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday for the first time in the country since 1980.

Yoon’s declaration saw the president accuse the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities.

Here is the full text Reuters translation of the military decree:

“In order to protect liberal democracy from the threat of overthrowing the regime of the Republic of Korea by anti-state forces active within the Republic of Korea and to protect the safety of the people, the following is hereby declared throughout the Republic of Korea as of 23:00 on December 3, 2024:

1. All political activities, including the activities of the National Assembly, local councils, and political parties, political associations, rallies and demonstrations, are prohibited.

2. All acts that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda are prohibited.

3. All media and publications are subject to the control of the Martial Law Command.

4. Strikes, work stoppages and rallies that incite social chaos are prohibited.