Seoul: Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has emphasized the need for heightened military readiness and vigilance after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law late Tuesday. Kim, who was instrumental in proposing the martial law to the president, has convened a meeting of key military commanders in response to the situation. According to Yonhap News Agency, the defense ministry has transitioned to a contingency mode, mandating all employees to report to work. Additionally, commanders of battalions and larger units have been placed on emergency stand-by. The military's response also includes the deployment of warplanes for mid-air surveillance activities to enhance security measures. In the wake of these developments, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su has been appointed as the leader of the martial law command. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will be responsible for overseeing affairs related to martial law. As part of the martial law decree, Gen. Park has announced restrictions on political activitie s, imposed state control over media and publishers, and ordered medical personnel on walkout to return to work within 48 hours. President Yoon declared the emergency martial law, citing concerns about the opposition's influence over parliament and its alleged role in paralyzing government operations through "anti-state activities."