South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared an emergency martial law in the country, accusing the opposition of anti-state activities.

The president while announcing the martial law said that the measure was necessary to protect the country from North Korea’s “communist forces”.

“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements… I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in televised address to the nation, according to Al-Jazeera.

However, it is not yet known how the steps would affect the country’s governance and democracy. 

Yoon Suk Yeol — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since coming to power in 2022.

Meanwhile, the liberal opposition Democratic Party had called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers following Yoon’s announcement.