South Korean president declares martial law, but it doesn’t last long

Full Episode
48:33

Military police bikes are seen outside of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 4, 2024.

Lee Jin-man/AP

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a surprise televised announcement overnight imposing martial law, saying “North Korean forces” needed to be eradicated. Lawmakers quickly acted to cancel the emergency declaration, but the bitter political divide in the country remains unresolved. Also, a coalition of rebel forces in Syria is continuing its advance after capturing Aleppo, making its way through towns and villages toward the central city of Hama. And, a court in Vietnam upholds the death penalty for property tycoon Truong My Lan following her April conviction for embezzlement and bribery amounting to $12.5 billion. Plus, an aging population across Japan is redefining what it means to work.

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In This Episode

South Korea’s president declared martial law. But it didn’t last long.
2:59
Syria rebels continue advance, nearing Hama city
4:58
Concerns over potential bird flu pandemic 5 years after first known COVID-19 cases in China
4:57
Vietnam court upholds death penalty for property tycoon
4:33
Dredging destroys a unique surfing wave in Spain
3:40
Belgium must pay restitution for forced adoptions in its former African colonies
5:25
Is retirement officially dead in Japan?
Special Coverage
5:08
Things you may have missed
1:06
China announces a ban on rare earth mineral exports to the US
5:02
Helado Negro explains how work inspired some of his recent tracks
7:11
South Korean president declares martial law, but it doesn’t last long - The World from PRX