For the first time, North Korean state media has reported on South Korea’s political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law.
After a week of silence, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published an article highlighting “social unrest” in South Korea, citing a constitutional crisis sparked by the controversial martial law decision.
The incident, which has raised concerns over a potential power vacuum in Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally, led to mass protests involving over a million people demanding Yoon’s impeachment. The KCNA article, drawing on South Korean and international media reports, described the turmoil as reminiscent of past military coups and criticized Yoon’s governance.
“The puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, already facing a governance and impeachment crisis, declared martial law unexpectedly, unleashing a fascist dictatorship on the people,” the KCNA stated. It further condemned the move as fueling public calls for impeachment.
Police raid presidential office
Amid the growing scandal, South Korean police raided President Yoon’s office on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the martial law fiasco. A presidential security service official confirmed the raid, but police have not commented further.
Yoon, currently banned from leaving the country, is under investigation for alleged insurrection. While he has not been arrested or questioned, the crisis continues to deepen.
Meanwhile, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a close ally of Yoon, attempted suicide while in detention following his arrest on Sunday. Kim, who has since resigned, apologized and claimed full responsibility for the imposition of emergency rule. According to the Justice Ministry, Kim is under observation, and his condition is stable.
