Political crisis in S. Korea worsens as N. Korea breaks silence on situation

December 11, 2024

Karah Rucker, Anchor

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North Korea, well known for its long history of suppression of free speech and abuse of human rights, broke it silence on Wednesday, Dec. 11, over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law last week. North Korean state media KCNA called the move an “insane act, reminiscent of the coup during the military dictatorship decades ago.”

The North Korean outlet also focused on a series of protests by tens of thousands of people demanding Yoon’s impeachment, which lawmakers reportedly tried and failed to do over on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Foreign policy experts told NBC News North Korea’s criticism is in line with its history of exploiting civil unrest in South Korea, but they said it’s unlikely the nuclear-armed Pyongyang can take advantage of the political chaos, considering some of its most elite forces are currently fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

Seoul’s political crisis continued to spiral this week. CNN reported South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday, as the probe of Yoon’s martial law declaration widens.

Additionally, the former South Korean defense minister reportedly tried to commit suicide while in police custody. South Korean officials said he has now been moved to an isolation room and has no health issues.

During the martial law declaration, South Korean security forces reportedly broke windows and doors at the National Assembly in an attempt to stop lawmakers from gathering.

Before resigning, the former defense minister took responsibility for the military’s actions.

“All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions,” he said.

Tags: Free Speech, Geopolitics, Human Rights, Kim Jong Un, Military Defense, North Korea, Press Freedom, Protests, Pyongyang, South Korea, South Korean Military, Yoon Suk Yeol

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This recording was made using enhanced software.

Full story

The North Korean outlet also focused on a series of protests by tens of thousands of people demanding Yoon’s impeachment, which lawmakers reportedly tried and failed to do over on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Seoul’s political crisis continued to spiral this week. CNN reported South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday, as the probe of Yoon’s martial law declaration widens.

During the martial law declaration, South Korean security forces reportedly broke windows and doors at the National Assembly in an attempt to stop lawmakers from gathering.

Before resigning, the former defense minister took responsibility for the military’s actions.

“All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions,” he said.