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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legacy may now hinge on his controversial decision to impose martial law, citing vague claims of “anti-state forces” influenced by North Korea. The move has sparked political outrage and raised questions about the motivations behind his decision, as he faces impeachment proceedings and mounting criticism. A Career Rooted in LawYoon, a conservative leader and former prosecutor, ascended to the presidency in 2022 after a meteoric rise in politics. Despite his legal expertise and reputation for being tough and uncompromising, critics argue that his temperament and reliance on a close-knit group of loyalists make him ill-suited for high-level leadership. Born to academics, Yoon studied law at Seoul National University. In 1980, as a student, he participated in a mock trial condemning dictator Chun Doo-hwan, only to flee to the countryside when martial law was extended. This early brush with military rule contrasts sharply with his current actions. Impulsive Leadership StyleObservers describe Yoon as impulsive and emotionally driven. His presidency has been marked by friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, scandals involving him and his wife, and escalating tensions with North Korea. Choi Jin, director of the Institute of Presidential Leadership in Seoul, noted, “President Yoon tends to handle issues with a small group of loyalists and expresses emotions too directly.” A Presidency Defined by TensionYoon’s declaration of martial law is seen as a response to prolonged gridlock with the liberal opposition. He accused his political rivals of undermining his administration by attempting to impeach officials and blocking next year’s budget. He also labeled them “North Korea followers” plotting rebellion. Read: Who is South Korean leader Yoon who sought martial law? The opposition-controlled parliament has been a significant obstacle for Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022 in one of South Korea’s closest elections. His tenure has been fraught with domestic political strife and bitter rhetoric on both sides. Scandals and CriticismYoon’s administration has faced multiple scandals, including allegations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife. Critics argue that his martial law declaration was an attempt to distract from these controversies. “Whether Yoon will survive politically or not, his declaration of martial law was a desperate move to shift focus,” Choi added. North Korea and the Return to Hardline PoliticsYoon’s presidency has also been defined by a hardline stance against North Korea. Early efforts to offer economic incentives in exchange for denuclearization were met with hostility. Pyongyang ramped up weapons tests and personal insults, calling Yoon a “diplomatic idiot.” North Korea’s perceived role in domestic destabilization echoes South Korea’s past, when authoritarian leaders used the threat from the North to suppress dissent. Yoon’s martial law declaration has revived fears of a return to those times. Read more: Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president A Troubled LegacyYoon’s decision to invoke martial law has raised alarms in South Korea’s vibrant democracy, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claims. Whether this move will define his presidency or mark its end remains uncertain, as public and political opposition mounts. Source: With inputs from agencies

Yoon Suk Yeol's rise to the pinnacle of South Korean politics was built on decades of legal achievements, yet his legacy may ultimately be defined by one mystifying decision: deploying troops under martial law based on ambiguous claims that one of Asia's leading democracies faced an existential threat, report AP. What in Yoon’s background hinted at this dramatic turn? Yoon, a staunch conservative and a veteran prosecutor, transitioned from a political newcomer to the presidency in 2022. His election marked the end of five years of liberal governance characterised by unsuccessful attempts to address North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and economic stagnation. However, Yoon’s presidency has been marred by relentless friction with an opposition-controlled parliament, threats from North Korea, and scandals involving him and his wife. Critics describe him as impulsive, thin-skinned, and overly reliant on a close circle of loyalists. Key facts about martial law and the push to impeach South Korea’s president Amid impeachment proceedings in parliament, no single factor explains his move to override democratic norms with martial law, justified by his vague claim that “anti-state forces” influenced by North Korea were active. Yet, threads from Yoon's background, including his intense animosity towards the liberal opposition and his confrontational approach to North Korea, shed light on this pivotal moment in his presidency. A Turbulent Journey to Top Prosecutor Despite 2 1/2 years as president, Yoon’s career has primarily revolved around law enforcement rather than politics. Born in Seoul to two professors, Yoon studied law at Seoul National University. A defining moment came in 1980 when he enacted a mock trial against dictator Chun Doo-hwan during a university event, sentencing him to life imprisonment. This act forced Yoon into hiding as Chun extended martial law and deployed troops to the university. Yoon later returned to Seoul to pursue a nearly three-decade career as a state prosecutor, earning a reputation for being tough and unyielding. South Korean Defence Minister resigns A Confrontational Style Yet, his leadership style has drawn criticism for being unsuitable for high office. “President Yoon isn’t well-prepared and acts impulsively,” said Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Institute of Presidential Leadership. “He shows his emotions openly and tends to operate within a tight-knit group, sidelining broader consensus.” This trait was evident during a 2013 parliamentary audit, where Yoon, then a senior prosecutor, accused his superiors of pressuring him to stop investigating allegations of election interference by the country’s spy agency. His bold declaration, “I’m not loyal to (high-level) people,” led to his demotion. Following the impeachment of conservative President Park Geun-hye in 2017, liberal President Moon Jae-in elevated Yoon to head of a key prosecution office, which investigated Park. Moon later appointed Yoon as South Korea’s top prosecutor. A Political Neophyte Yoon only entered politics about a year before his presidential victory, parting ways with Moon over a deadlock involving prosecution reforms. Moon’s allies accused Yoon of using the probe to bolster his own political ambitions. In 2022, Yoon narrowly defeated liberal firebrand Lee Jae-myung in South Korea’s closest presidential race, marred by vitriolic exchanges. Yoon likened Lee’s party to “Hitler” and “Mussolini,” while Lee’s allies called Yoon “a beast” and mocked his wife’s alleged cosmetic surgery. Domestic Discord Yoon’s presidency has been dominated by political gridlock and acrimony. His narrow electoral victory and his party’s inability to secure parliamentary control have exacerbated tensions. The opposition, which retains parliamentary dominance until 2027, has repeatedly clashed with Yoon over legislative and budgetary issues. Yoon justified his martial law declaration by accusing the opposition of plotting rebellion, citing their impeachment efforts against his officials and budgetary obstructions. Scandals have further eroded Yoon’s approval ratings. Last month, he denied involvement in an influence-peddling scandal linked to him and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Separate footage purportedly shows Kim accepting a luxury gift from a pastor. Choi speculates that Yoon’s “clumsy martial law” attempt may have been an effort to distract from these controversies. “Yoon likely believed he had no other option to shake up the political landscape, but he failed,” Choi said. A Hardline Standoff with North Korea While domestic scandals have shaped Yoon’s presidency, his foreign policy has been marked by a hardline stance on North Korea. Yoon initially proposed economic incentives to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear programme. However, relations soured as Pyongyang intensified weapons testing and threats. By last year, North Korea was openly mocking Yoon, calling him “a diplomatic idiot” and sending balloons filled with trash over the border, some reaching the presidential compound. Yoon’s invocation of North Korea as a domestic threat echoes South Korea’s authoritarian past, when strongmen used fears of northern aggression to suppress political dissent.

Twelve Vietnamese soldiers tragically lost their lives in an accidental explosion during a military training exercise in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam, on Monday night. According to state media, the incident occurred at a shooting range of the 7th Military Region. The soldiers were reportedly transporting explosives when a lightning strike during a severe storm triggered an electronic detonator, leading to the fatal explosion. Read: Fireworks explosion at Indian temple injures over 150 people A local military newspaper reported that most of the bodies have been recovered, but authorities are continuing the search for any missing personnel. An urgent investigation into the incident has been initiated by the Ministry of Defence, as confirmed by the Vietnam News Agency. The tragedy unfolded just a day after Defence Minister Phan Van Giang had delivered a speech inaugurating the combat exercise, according to the state-run Nhan Dan newspaper. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun following widespread criticism over the president’s brief imposition of martial law. Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has been nominated to replace Kim, according to the defense ministry. Kim resigned on Wednesday shortly after the opposition Democratic Party filed a motion to impeach him. Leaders within Yoon’s People Power Party had also demanded his removal for advising the martial law declaration. Accepting responsibility, Kim stated that all actions related to the martial law order were carried out under his authority, apologizing for the “concerns and confusion” caused to the public. South Korea’s opposition parties submit a motion to impeach President Yoon over sudden martial law President Yoon himself is under mounting pressure to resign after issuing—and subsequently withdrawing—the martial law decree. Six opposition parties have introduced a motion to impeach him, with a parliamentary vote anticipated by midnight on Friday or Saturday. Additionally, the Democratic Party is preparing to pursue treason charges against Yoon. The martial law announcement, made in a sudden late-night address on Tuesday, accused the opposition of supporting North Korea and engaging in anti-state actions, citing their attempts to impeach prosecutors and block a government budget proposal. However, lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree with 190 votes in the 300-seat parliament, prompting Yoon to retract the order and withdraw deployed troops early Wednesday. South Korean Parliament overturns President’s Martial Law declaration Source: CNN

A coalition of leftist activists lodged a second impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, citing alleged misuse of government funds and seeking her permanent disqualification from public office, reports AP. The complaint, supported by at least 74 activists including leaders from human rights, labour, and student organisations, was submitted to the House of Representatives, highlighting the ongoing political challenges faced by Vice President Duterte. She has yet to comment on this new complaint or the first one filed on Monday. Impeachment complaint filed against Philippine VP Duterte for threatening President Marcos Duterte, a 46-year-old lawyer, is the daughter of the controversial former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration was marked by a violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths and is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for possible crimes against humanity. Her main political rival is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom she publicly threatened with death during an online news conference on November 23. A criminal probe has been initiated into her threats against Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin and ally of the president. Duterte clarified that her statements were not intended as a direct threat but as expressions of concern for her safety. Philippines vice president publicly threatens President Marcos with assassination The latest impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of breaching public trust through the unlawful use and mismanagement of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds. The complainants allege that she and her team tried to conceal these discrepancies by submitting forged reports and obstructing congressional investigations. It claims that in December 2022, Duterte’s office spent 125 million pesos ($2 million) over 11 days during the Christmas season on dubious expenses, including renting "safe houses," paying for unidentified confidential information, and providing unclear rewards. “Misuse of confidential funds is a profound betrayal of the people,” said Liza Maza from the Makabayan coalition. “This is not just a technical breach but a systematic plunder of public resources.” Renato Reyes of the Bayan coalition added, “Impeachment is essential for addressing impunity. Citizens and taxpayers must hold officials accountable.” Earlier, a group of civil society activists, including priests and pro-democracy advocates, submitted an initial impeachment case citing approximately 24 alleged crimes and irregularities. These included Duterte’s threats against Marcos, alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to her father's anti-drug campaign, and her perceived failure to counter Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies and Speaker Martin Romualdez—who is also at odds with Duterte—will review the impeachment complaints. This process could take weeks or even months, as Congress is set to go into its Christmas break on December 20 and reconvene on January 13. Many lawmakers will then begin campaigning for the May 12 midterm elections. Duterte's offices, as vice president and former education secretary, have been under investigation for their handling of confidential and intelligence funds. She has since stepped down from her education role. Duterte has avoided providing detailed responses during tense televised hearings. Additionally, Philippine police have filed criminal charges against her and her security detail for allegedly assaulting authorities and defying orders during an incident at Congress involving her chief of staff, who was accused of obstructing the funds inquiry. The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned Duterte to appear on December 11 regarding her threats against the president. Duterte and Marcos won their 2022 election campaign in a landslide as running mates but have since had significant political differences. In the Philippines, the vice presidency and presidency are elected separately, leading to a situation where rivals may hold the highest political offices.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district on Wednesday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:27 am, originating at a depth of 40 kilometers near Mulugu, as per NCS data. The tremors were felt across Mulugu and neighboring districts, including Hyderabad, prompting residents to share videos and reactions on social media. “For the first time in 20 years, Telangana experienced one of the strongest earthquakes, with a 5.3 magnitude quake centered in Mulugu. Tremors were felt across the state, including Hyderabad. Yet again, an earthquake at the Godavari riverbed, but this time, a stronger one,” wrote a user named Telangana Weatherman on X. Read: Moderate earthquake strikes Eastern Turkey Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Telangana lies in Seismic Zone II, which is categorized as the lowest-risk zone in India’s seismic classification system. The country is divided into four seismic zones, with Zone V being the most earthquake-prone. Source: With inputs from agencies  

South Korea’s political landscape was shaken on Wednesday as the main opposition Democratic Party called for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate resignation or impeachment. The demand came hours after Yoon rescinded a controversial martial law declaration, which had briefly brought military troops to parliament. Yoon’s abrupt announcement of martial law on Tuesday evening aimed to combat what he termed “anti-state” forces but was overturned by a unanimous parliamentary vote. This marked South Korea’s first use of martial law in over 40 years, harking back to its pre-democracy era. Opposition Outrage and Impeachment Threat The Democratic Party, holding a parliamentary majority, condemned Yoon’s actions as unconstitutional and accused him of rebellion. “President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution... a grave act of rebellion,” the party said in a statement, promising impeachment proceedings if Yoon refused to step down. An impeachment would require a two-thirds parliamentary vote, needing support from at least 200 lawmakers. The Democratic Party and smaller opposition factions collectively control 192 seats. Notably, 18 members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) joined the 190-0 vote to annul the martial law. If impeached, Yoon would be stripped of presidential powers pending a Constitutional Court ruling, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming interim responsibilities. Yoon’s Declaration and Military Deployment Yoon’s martial law authorized troop deployments to restrict parliamentary activities, sparking comparisons to South Korea’s military-backed governments of the past. Protesters outside the National Assembly faced soldiers armed with assault rifles and military helicopters. While lawmakers were initially blocked from entering the National Assembly, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreamed himself scaling a wall to access the chamber. Despite the heavy military presence, no major violence was reported, and troops withdrew after the vote to lift the martial law. Read: South Korean Parliament overturns President’s Martial Law declaration Critics, including legal experts and opposition leaders, argued Yoon’s actions violated constitutional provisions that limit martial law to wartime or comparable national emergencies. The constitution explicitly prohibits restrictions on parliamentary functions, which Yoon’s declaration attempted to enforce. International and Domestic Responses In Washington, the White House expressed “serious concern” over the events, noting that the Biden administration was not informed in advance of Yoon’s martial law declaration. Pentagon officials confirmed no impact on the 27,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. Domestically, the People Power Party leader Han Dong-hun criticized Yoon’s actions as unconstitutional, urging him to dismiss Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who reportedly recommended the declaration. Public reaction remained relatively muted, with life in Seoul appearing normal on Wednesday. Tourists and residents went about their routines, though increased police presence and lingering tension hinted at the political turmoil. Echoes of South Korea’s Democratic Struggles President Yoon’s martial law declaration and its swift reversal highlighted South Korea’s turbulent political history, including its transition to democracy in the late 1980s. Observers compared the current crisis to the 2017 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office and later imprisoned for corruption. Read: Emergency martial law declared in South Korea Natalia Slavney, an analyst with the Stimson Center’s 38 North program, described the martial law as a “serious backslide of democracy” in South Korea, noting an “alarming trend of abuse” during Yoon’s presidency. As calls for Yoon’s resignation grow louder, South Korea faces an uncertain political future. The crisis underscores the fragility of democratic norms in the face of escalating political conflicts. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, accusing opposition forces of sympathizing with North Korea and vowing to eliminate “anti-state” elements. His declaration followed months of political tensions, with the opposition controlling the parliament. However, within hours, South Korea's parliament voted to reverse the president's decision, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.” Woo called for the military and police to withdraw from the Assembly grounds. The president’s move, reminiscent of past authoritarian measures not seen in South Korea since the 1980s, was swiftly condemned by both the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party. In the wake of the declaration, South Korea’s military announced that political gatherings, including those in parliament, would be suspended. The military also instructed striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours, threatening arrest without a warrant for violators. Read: Emergency martial law declared in South Korea Under South Korean law, martial law can be lifted by a majority vote in parliament, which is currently dominated by the opposition Democratic Party. The National Assembly’s swift response saw all 190 participating lawmakers voting in favor of rescinding the martial law, with TV footage showing soldiers leaving the parliament grounds afterward. Earlier, there were scenes of military and police presence around parliament, with soldiers seen carrying rifles and helicopters circling overhead. The conservative People Power Party’s leader, Han Dong-hoon, described the martial law declaration as “wrong,” while opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called it “illegal and unconstitutional.” In a televised address, President Yoon stated that martial law was necessary to prevent the nation from "falling into the depths of national ruin." He vowed to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and protect South Korea’s democratic order. Yoon, who has faced political challenges and a dip in approval ratings, has been struggling to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament. Yoon’s martial law declaration is the first in South Korea since its democratization in 1987 and the first since the last martial law was imposed in 1979. Source: With inputs from agencies

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an “emergency martial law,” Tuesday accusing the country’s opposition of controlling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state activities. Yoon made the announcement in a televised briefing, vowing to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” It wasn’t immediately clear how Yoon’s step would affect the country’s governance and democracy. The move drew immediate opposition from politicians, including the leader of his own conservative party, Han Dong-hoon, who called the decision “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called Yoon’s announcement “illegal and unconstitutional.” “Through this martial law, I will rebuild and protect the free Republic of Korea, which is falling into the depths of national ruin,” Yoon said during a televised speech, invoking South Korea’s formal name. “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. Yoon’s conservative People Power Party had been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also been attempting to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations on Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. Syrian insurgents seize four towns amid clashes Yoon has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. The Democratic Party reportedly called an emergency meeting of its lawmakers following Yoon’s announcement.

China announced Tuesday it is banning exports to the United States of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced the move after the Washington expanded its list of Chinese companies subject to export controls on computer chip-making equipment, software and high-bandwidth memory chips. Such chips are needed for advanced applications. The ratcheting up of trade restrictions comes at a time when President-elect Donald Trump has been threatening to sharply raise tariffs on imports from China and other countries, potentially adding to simmering tensions over trade and technology. In July 2023, China said that it would require exporters to apply for licenses to send to the US the strategically important materials such as gallium and germanium. In August, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said it would restrict exports of antimony, which is used in a wide range of products from batteries to weapons. China is the biggest global source of gallium and germanium, which are produced in small amounts but are needed to make computer chips for mobile phones, cars and other products, as well as solar panels and military technology. UN court hears landmark climate case as island nations fear rising seas China’s Commerce Ministry protested and said it would act to protect China’s “rights and interests” after the US side announced it was adding 140 companies to a so-called “entity list” subject to strict export controls. Nearly all are based in China, though some are Chinese-owned businesses in Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Both governments said their respective export controls were needed for “national security.” In hitting back at the latest move by Washington to slow China's progress in developing advanced technology with potential military applications, China is tightening controls announced in July 2023. China's government has been frustrated by US curbs on access to advanced processor chips and other technology on security grounds but was cautious in retaliating, possibly to avoid disrupting China’s fledgling developers of chips, artificial intelligence and other technology. The US gets about half its supply of both gallium and germanium metals directly from China, according to the US Geological Survey. China exported about 23 metric tons (25 tons) of gallium last year and produces about 600 metric tons (660 tons) of germanium per year.