This Image Does Not Depict Korean Army Movements Following the Declaration of Martial Law
The Claim
South Korean Armed Forces are patrolling the streets of Seoul.
News posted on
Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating an image claiming to depict military vehicles in the streets of South Korea's capital, Seoul, following the president's declaration of a state of emergency and the imposition of martial law.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading. The image was first published on South Korean news websites in January 2024, not after the declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday, December 3.
South Korean Army Conducts Training With 12 Vehicles in Central Seoul
The circulated image was published alongside a video on January 27, showing a convoy of 12 armored vehicles crossing the Han River Bridge in central Seoul on January 25, according to local South Korean media sources.
The sources reported that the country’s Defense Public Relations Agency stated that the "First Security Group" of the Capital Defense Command conducted a maneuver training with the K808 "White Tiger" armored vehicle.
Moreover, the agency noted that the purpose of the training was to familiarize with the operational environment and enhance readiness, enabling the protection of the military command center in the event of a crisis.
South Korea’s President Declares a State of Emergency and Imposes Martial Law
The claim began circulating following South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law, the closure of the parliament building, and the appointment of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to lead the country.
In a televised address, Yoon said his decision aimed to eliminate pro-North Korean forces and preserve freedom and constitutional order. Meanwhile, the country's parliament voted against the measures, with 190 votes rejecting them out of 300, prompting the president to revoke the martial law decree.
Reuters reported that the military announced a ban on parliamentary, party, and political activities, and that media and publishers would be under the control of the martial law command.
In related news, the South Korean won hit its lowest level since 2022, with the local currency priced at 1,402.9 won per U.S. dollar.
Read More
This Footage Does Not Show Typhoon Hinnamnor Hitting South Korea
This Video Features Stryker Combat Vehicles in South Korea, Not Ukraine
