Seoul: Around 280 martial law troops stormed into the National Assembly after President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected declaration of martial law, as confirmed by the parliament's secretary-general on Wednesday. Kim Min-ki made these remarks during a press conference, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the measures being taken in response.According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Min-ki emphasized that as part of the immediate response to the martial law declaration, defense officials and police officers would be prohibited from entering the National Assembly starting from the day of the announcement. This decision aims to safeguard the lawmakers and maintain the functionality of the National Assembly amidst the current crisis.Kim detailed the sequence of events, noting that police had effectively sealed the gates of the National Assembly and prevented lawmakers and parliamentary officials from accessing the premises beginning at 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly after President Yoon's declaration. In a di splay of swift action, the defense ministry deployed approximately 230 martial law troops to the Assembly grounds using 24 helicopters between 11:48 p.m. and 1:18 a.m. early Wednesday.Adding to the tense atmosphere, at 12:40 a.m., an additional 50 troops made their entry into the National Assembly by scaling the compound's walls. Kim further supported his statements by releasing CCTV footage showing armed troops landing on a soccer field within the compound from helicopters and then proceeding to break into the Assembly compound and its main hall.Kim also announced that the secretariat would investigate any damage resulting from the martial law declaration and hold accountable those responsible for any "unlawful acts" that occurred in connection with these events.
- September 13, 2026
