In a rare move, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a late-night address, as tensions with opposition parties escalated. The Singaporean embassy in Seoul is actively monitoring the situation, advising citizens to remain calm and register their whereabouts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
Embassy’s Response
The embassy noted that the martial law declaration appeared not to relate to any military incursions and has urged all Singaporeans in South Korea to stay informed and safe. “We will provide more details as soon as we have updates,” they stated.
Feelings on the Ground
Despite the unexpected announcement, many Singaporeans currently in South Korea reported feeling safe. Ms Denise, a 30-year-old traveller in Seoul, mentioned, “It’s very peaceful here… I didn’t feel worried for my safety.” Others, like Mr Zachary Wu, initially felt anxious but quickly noticed life continuing as normal around them.
Travel Agencies Respond
Travel agencies are monitoring the situation closely but confirmed that trips are ongoing. According to Jeremiah Wong from Chan Brothers Travel, “We have not received any calls of concern so far, and all our upcoming tours will proceed as scheduled.” Meanwhile, major airlines like Singapore Airlines and Korean Air reported that flights between Singapore and Seoul continue to operate normally.
Concert and Education Updates
In light of the martial law, some cultural events are still taking place. Student Matthias Ong expressed relief that he could still attend Dua Lipa’s concert in Seoul. He stated, “I’ve been looking forward to this for months… thankfully, the law was lifted very quickly.” Educational institutions also confirmed that the academic calendar would proceed as planned.
Conclusion on the Situation
The swift lifting of martial law, just hours after its declaration, has led many to feel reassured. However, protests continue as citizens express their discontent with the government’s actions, indicating that the political landscape remains turbulent.