AKIPRESS.COM - President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of "anti-state activities plotting rebellion," Yonhap reported.

"The martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom," Yoon said in the televised address.

This decision came after the opposition Democratic Party railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee, and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor.

Martial law troops entered the National Assembly compound and were attempting to enter the main parliamentary building  after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law.

Troops were seen scuffling with a large number of people trying to block their entry while more people including citizens and reporters were gathered outside the compound in a standoff with parliamentary guards and police.

Three helicopters presumably carrying troops flew into the compound and some witnesses claimed to have seen armed soldiers getting off.

Access to the compound was only allowed to lawmakers, parliamentary staff and accredited reporters after an ID check.

Troops were installing barricades outside the main parliamentary building.