North Korea has responded to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law, comparing it to a military coup and accusing him of leading a fascist dictatorship.
Yoon made a shock statement last week, accusing North Korean sympathizers of trying to undermine his government. His political future is still uncertain, with members of his own party refusing so far to dismiss him.
In an article published Wednesday on page six of state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, North Korea called Yoon's decision “crazy” and compared his behavior to that of past military dictators.
“He brazenly brandished weapons against his own people,” the article said.
These developments “revealed the weakness of South Korean society, that Yoon's sudden declaration of martial law is an expression of despair, and that Yoon's political life may end prematurely,” it read.
The article on Rodong Sinmum contained photos of the protests in Seoul, including those of young South Koreans carrying K-pop banners and light sticks.
The short-lived martial law imposed by Yoon plunged the country into political turmoil. He remains in office but has been barred from leaving the country due to a treason investigation. Although it is unclear what authority he still possesses, if any.
There were fears that North Korea might choose to exploit the crisis and provoke Seoul, while doubts remained over the president's command of its military.
An attempt to impeach the president over the weekend failed, after Yoon's ruling People Power Party chose to boycott anonymous voting.
But the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has vowed to continue trying to impeach Yoon, with another vote expected on Saturday.
It requires at least eight members of Yoon's party to cross the country and vote to impeach the president with a two-thirds majority of the 300-seat parliament.
Additional reporting by Jake Kwon in Seoul
