South Korea Martial Law Protests: Fear, Fury, and Triumph
On a chaotic Tuesday night in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the nation by announcing martial law to address “anti-state” forces. Within six hours, protests erupted, lawmakers scrambled to block the declaration, and Yoon was forced to withdraw the order in an extraordinary display of public defiance and democratic resilience.
A Shocking Announcement
At 11 PM local time, Yoon addressed the nation, stating that martial law was necessary to counter threats allegedly tied to North Korea. This move stunned South Koreans, many of whom vividly remember the country’s authoritarian past.
Shortly after the announcement, the National Assembly in Seoul became the epicenter of resistance. Thousands of protesters gathered despite the heavy presence of military and police forces, chanting, “No to martial law!”
Protests and Chaos in Seoul
The streets outside the assembly were filled with dark winter coats and neon police jackets as demonstrators faced off against armed soldiers. Vehicles carrying military personnel were blocked by crowds, with some protesters lying in front of them.
One 35-year-old opposition spokesperson, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, went viral after confronting armed soldiers, tugging at the barrel of a rifle. “I felt like I was witnessing the regression of history,” she told the BBC.
Meanwhile, rumors spread that special forces had landed on the National Assembly’s roof. Confusion and fear gripped the city, with some fearing the return of military rule.
The Lawmakers’ Scramble
Inside the assembly, opposition lawmakers worked frantically to block the martial law declaration. Many had to scale fences or shove through police lines to enter the building. Once inside, they barricaded doors with tables, sofas, and benches, determined to protect democracy.
By 1 AM, a resolution requesting martial law be lifted was submitted, and at 2 AM, 190 lawmakers voted unanimously to block it, including some members of Yoon’s party.
Victory for Democracy
By 4:30 AM, Yoon appeared on TV again, announcing he would withdraw the martial law order. Crowds outside the assembly erupted in cheers as dawn broke over Seoul.
Despite the return to normalcy—schools and businesses reopened as usual—public anger remains high. Thousands gathered to demand Yoon’s resignation, and impeachment proceedings are now underway.
The Fallout
The scars of the night remain visible at the National Assembly, with broken windows and damaged doors serving as a reminder of the dramatic hours when South Koreans stood up for democracy.
As Democratic Party politician Yang Bu-nam put it:
“We are a strong democracy…But President Yoon must resign or be impeached.”
