SOUTH Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared ”emergency martial law” today — but was defied by parliament, which voted his declaration invalid.

Mr Yoon accused the opposition of controlling parliament, sympathising with North Korea and paralysing the government through anti-state activities.

He made the announcement in a televised briefing, vowing to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”

This was followed by the military announcing the suspension of parliamentary work and all political-party activities.

The president also declared the imposition of strict controls over the media and a ban on all strikes.

The imposition of martial law was denounced by legislators, including the leader of the president’s own conservative party, Han Dong Hoon, who branded the decision “wrong” and vowed to “stop it.”

Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Mr Yoon, described the announcement as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

Mr Lee said the party’s lawmakers will remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Mr Yoon formally lifts his order.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Mr Yoon’s impeachment.

South Korean trade unions said the president had “declared an anti-democratic dictatorship.”

Mr Yoon recently dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials.