Israelis in South Korea told to stay at home amid political upheaval in country

Israel’s embassy in South Korea recommends that Israelis in the country avoid public places after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency late-night national address that slammed domestic political opponents and sent shockwaves through the country.

Yoon said opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage. 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.

Troops apparently tasked with imposing martial law were then seen trying to enter the parliament, and parliamentary aides were seen trying to push the soldiers back by spraying fire extinguishers.

The parliament later passed a motion requiring the martial law to be lifted, and the soldiers were seen leaving the building.

Israel’s embassy recommends that citizens in the country “stay at homes or where you are staying and follow the updates in the media, for now and until matters become clear,” noting that “it is still early to assess what the ramifications of the decisions will be.”