When President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, Lee, a 28-year-old teacher, thought this was a comedy situation on a television game show.
“I thought Mr. Yoon was invited to do this prank on the game show. But when the news kept coming, I gradually turned to panic,” Lee, a teacher in Gyeonggi, recalled the moment he heard the news of President Yoon’s surprise. declared martial law from 11 p.m.
This is the first time the country’s President has declared martial law in the past 44 years. Korean social networks were immediately filled with posts and comments expressing concern. Some major platforms such as Blind and Naver Cafe were inaccessible for a while due to overload.
“Is this really happening in 2024? I can’t believe it. What was broadcast on TV was like the mutinies decades ago,” one online user commented.
Military vehicles outside parliament after President Yoon declared martial law. Image: Reuters
President Yoon Suk-yeol said he declared martial law to deal with “subversive” forces. He mentioned that the Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the Korean parliament, this week impeached several high-ranking prosecutors and cut its budget. The martial law decree was issued with measures such as banning parliamentary activities, controlling the press, and banning protest gatherings.
An estimated 4,000 angry people poured into the streets despite the cold weather, surrounding the parliament building in Yeouido district, Seoul, causing traffic congestion in the area. They chanted slogans “save democracy” and called for President Yoon’s impeachment.
“I was so angry that I had to come here,” Kim, 50, said. “This is an abuse of power, a direct violation of the constitution.”
South Korea has imposed martial law many times to quell political turmoil. But this measure has been abused when the ruling party wants to maintain power through constitutional amendments. After the transition from military rule to democracy in the late 1980s, martial law was seen as a relic of the past.
“It’s so wrong, so wrong. I thought I was dreaming when the President declared martial law. How can you act like that in this day and age,” said another woman from Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
“I’m even shaking when I post this comment,” one internet user wrote while following the news.
People chanted slogans demanding the nullification of martial law and protested against President Yoon. Image: AFP
On the morning of December 4, the Korean National Assembly opened an emergency session after 190 lawmakers entered the office. All 190 lawmakers present voted in favor of the resolution requesting the lifting of martial law. After Chairman Woo knocked the gavel to pass the resolution, protesters outside cheered with joy.
“It’s a relief. I came here when I heard the sound of helicopters flying over the capital,” said a 43-year-old woman living in Dangsan, west of Seoul.
South Korean soldiers then withdrew from the parliament building. But the crowd still gathered until 3 a.m., demanding that the president be held legally responsible. At 4:30, Mr. Yoon announced his acceptance of lifting martial law.
South Korean soldiers leave the parliament building. Video: SBS
Many people lose sleep watching the news, expressing shock and disbelief on the way to work. “I couldn’t sleep, I was glued to the news all night. It felt so surreal, like a nightmare,” said a 41-year-old office worker surnamed Choi.
“It’s like I’ve traveled back in time 40 years, it’s absurd. Even my middle school son couldn’t sleep and watched TV with me. My heart is still pounding,” Choi added.
Many people called for President Yoon to resign. “He used the army against dissidents. This is not the period of military dictatorship,” said Park, a 51-year-old office worker in Yeongdeungpo.
Lee Ji-woo, 32 years old, said she stayed up all night searching platforms like Naver and X to update information. “I even searched for photos of martial law from the past. What worries me most is the economic consequences,” she said.
A citizen climbed over the fence of the parliament grounds on December 3. Image: Yonhap
More than 40 parliamentarians from opposition parties have called for Mr. Yoon to be immediately impeached for allegedly “masterminding violations in state management of a treasonous nature.” The Democratic Party announced that it will begin the impeachment process if the Korean President does not resign.
Korean parents shared their worries on online groups and forums after last night’s upheaval. Many people today decide to keep their children at home and not go to daycare or kindergarten.
The soldiers’ parents were also impatient. “My son serves in the army, but I haven’t been able to contact him since yesterday. There are soldiers whose demobilization has been delayed, or who are on leave but were ordered to return. The situation in the army will definitely change.” more difficult”.