South Korea Faces Turmoil as Martial Law Sparks Political Clash

South Korean stocks experienced significant declines in U.S. trading after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, citing threats from "communist forces" amid a budget bill dispute. The declaration led to a sharp drop in shares of major South Korean companies and prompted an emergency meeting by the Korea Exchange to decide on market operations. The move, which restricts political activities, marks the first martial law declaration in South Korea since 1980 and has drawn international attention, including from the U.S. National Security Council.