(LEAD) Yoon declares emergency martial law, accusing opposition of 'anti-state activities' - Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of "anti-state activities plotting rebellion."

"The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom," Yoon said in the televised address.

This decision came after the opposition Democratic Party railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.

In this captured image from KTV, President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law during an emergency press briefing held at the presidential office in Seoul on Dec. 3, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)