Main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has pledged to defend democracy and called on the public for support in response to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law.

In a YouTube livestream after the president’s declaration late Tuesday night, Lee said there is no reason to impose martial law and that the military must not be allowed to rule the country.

The main opposition chief said as if the prosecution’s “violent control” were not enough, armed soldiers are trying to take command.

Lee then called on the South Korean people to come out to the National Assembly to defend the nation together, saying the military could be mobilized to apprehend lawmakers attempting to gather in parliament to lift the state of martial law.