Video: May 24, 1952 (at 6:18)

(Saturday, May 24, 1952, during the Korean War, part of the Cold War) — South Korean President Syngman Rhee declared martial law today around the temporary capital of Pusan (now spelled Buson), and had some of his opponents in the National Assembly arrested.

Rhee wanted to dissolve the Assembly and have a new one elected to amend the constitution so that there would be a bicameral legislature and popular election of the president (the only way Rhee could stay in power as the Assembly did not favor Rhee’s re-election).

Rhee charged the arrested assemblymen with complicity in treason in a communist conspiracy and justified the continuation of martial law as a measure to counteract guerrilla operations in the Pusan area.

Video: South Korean situation (continued)