In a shocking turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced martial law on Tuesday night, sparking immediate protests and widespread concern across the country. The unexpected declaration, made at 23:00 local time, claimed the need to protect the country from “anti-state” forces sympathetic to North Korea.
The announcement came amid Yoon’s ongoing political challenges, including a budget bill deadlock and corruption scandals. Immediately after the declaration, police surrounded the National Assembly building, and the military suspended all parliamentary activities.
Thousands of citizens quickly mobilized in response. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung urged people to gather at the National Assembly and called on lawmakers to challenge the martial law order. Protesters filled the streets, chanting “no to martial law” and physically blocking military vehicles.
The atmosphere was tense and surreal. Helicopters circled overhead, and special forces were deployed to the assembly building. Journalists were on high alert, worried about potential media restrictions. One notable moment captured a Democratic Party spokesperson, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, confronting soldiers at gunpoint, symbolizing the citizens’ resistance.
Lawmakers went to extraordinary lengths to enter the National Assembly. Some crawled through security forces, others scaled 1.5-meter-high fences, and many were helped by fellow protesters. Their mission was clear: to block the martial law order and protect democratic processes.
By 01:00, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik submitted a resolution to lift martial law. In a remarkable display of unity, 190 lawmakers, including some from Yoon’s own party, voted unanimously to block the order.
By 04:30, Yoon appeared on television again, announcing he would withdraw martial law. The announcement was met with cheers from the protesters outside the assembly.
The incident highlighted South Korea’s complex political landscape. The country, which only emerged from military rule in 1987 and last experienced martial law in 1979, was shocked by the sudden attempt to suspend democratic processes.
In the aftermath, public anger remained strong. Thousands gathered to demand Yoon’s resignation, and impeachment proceedings were being considered. The National Assembly building, now bearing physical scars from the night’s events, stood as a symbol of democratic resistance.
Despite the dramatic events, life in Seoul quickly returned to normal. Schools, businesses, and banks opened as usual on Wednesday morning, and flights continued uninterrupted.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of citizen vigilance in protecting democratic values.
