SEOUL, Dec 11 (Alliance News): In a rare move, North Korea’s state-run media, KCNA, has reported on South Korea’s ongoing political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law order.
The report marked the first instance of North Korean commentary on the internal politics of its southern neighbour.
The article described growing “social unrest” in South Korea, triggered by last week’s surprising declaration of martial law, which has plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.
This unprecedented move, reminiscent of past military coups, raised fears of a power vacuum in Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a vital U.S. ally, creating ripples through diplomatic and economic channels.
The KCNA report mainly quoted South Korean and international media and focused on massive public protests, with over a million people demanding President Yoon’s impeachment.
“The puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, who had already faced a serious crisis of governance and impeachment, declared martial law unexpectedly and unleashed the guns of the fascist dictatorship on the people,” KCNA stated.
It also noted the condemnation from various sectors, including opposition parties, and highlighted the public’s fervent call for Yoon’s removal.
South Korean Police Raid Presidential Office
Amid the political turmoil, South Korean police conducted a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on Wednesday, part of an expanding investigation into the martial law crisis.
A presidential security service official confirmed the raid to Reuters, although police declined further comment.
President Yoon, who was absent during the raid, is under investigation for allegations of insurrection and is currently banned from leaving the country. However, he has not been arrested or questioned by authorities.
In related developments, Kim Yong-hyun, the defence minister at the time and a close ally of Yoon, attempted suicide at a detention centre where he was being held following his arrest on Sunday.
A Justice Ministry official informed parliament that Kim is now under observation and not in danger of life-threatening harm. Kim, who has since resigned and taken full responsibility for the brief imposition of emergency rule, issued a public apology.
