South Korea commemorates anniversary of failed martial law attempt

SEOUL On Wednesday, thousands of South Koreans gathered outside the National Assembly to mark the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk-yeols brief and unsuccessful declaration of martial law, an action swiftly overturned by citizens and lawmakers alike. The rally aimed to honor the publics resistance that nullified the order and to reflect on what authorities now describe as an attempted insurrection.

Amid K-pop music playing through speakers, participants waved light sticks and chanted slogans demanding accountability for the attempted takeover. Police reported that around 11,000 people took part, with progressive civic groups organizing the event.

For the first time in the 21st century, a democratic nation like South Korea faced a coup attempt. Remarkably, unarmed citizens peacefully stopped it, President Lee Jae Myung said in an anniversary address. The December 3 attempt, though a crisis, highlighted the civic dedication of our people and the strength of South Korean democracy.

President Lee described the movement as a revolution of light, powered by what his administration calls K-democracy, reflecting a resilient democratic tradition inspired by historic movements such as the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

Lawmakers across party lines also marked the occasion. The Democratic Party, holding a supermajority, advanced multiple bills related to the failed martial law attempt, including legislation proposing Dec. 3 be recognized as Democracy Movement Memorial Day.

At the National Assembly complex, the site where troops tried to enforce martial law, Speaker Woo Won-shik led a dark tour highlighting pivotal locations from that night, such as the lawn where troops landed and a wall he climbed to enter the building. The conservative People Power Party issued public apologies, with leader Song Eon-seog expressing regret on behalf of 107 lawmakers who either supported or did not act during the impeachment process last year. Initially, the party had boycotted the first impeachment vote, but a second vote passed with more than two-thirds support. Twenty-five lawmakers also pledged to sever ties with Yoon.

Yoons failed martial law attempt illustrates how unstable leadership can destabilize a nation, noted Jungkun Seo, a professor at Seouls Kyung Hee University. Yet within six months, parliament lifted martial law, Yoon was detained, tried, impeached, and a new president was elected. This affirmed to the world that South Koreas democracy is robust.

Lee, who was opposition leader at the time, recalled livestreaming from the Assembly grounds during the martial law declaration, believing citizens were the decisive force against the coup. Thousands gathered outside demanding the repeal of martial law, and candlelight protests continued peacefully until Yoons impeachment was finalized.

Author: Logan Reeves