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South Korea - Figure 1
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Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on December 4 2024, after South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. Photo: AFP / Jung Yeon-je

Martial law has been declared in South Korea in a shock move by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

South Korea - Figure 2
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It follows a major political battle with the opposition-controlled legislature.

Troops made a brief attempt to enter parliament as lawmakers and protesters quickly voiced opposition to the move.

In a surprise late-night TV address, Yoon said opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage.

South Korea - Figure 3
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He vowed to eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and said he had no choice but to take the measure to safeguard constitutional order.

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