On December 3rd, 2024, South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law, prompting rebellion and chaos in the streets of Seoul. Martial law grants the president power of military authority in “wartime, warlike situations, or other comparable national emergency states.” In other words, martial law will strictly limit the rights of the citizens, taking away their freedom and civil liberties. For example, if there is a civil war, violent riot, or public protest (specifically protesting against political policies), the government will have full authority to take control of the situation using the military in martial law.

Martial law isn’t a new addition in the constitution, having existed since the Korean War (1950-1953). The government deployed troops all over the country, killing thousands of people and massacring protestors in an effort to suppress anti-government movements. The military was even sent to schools and colleges to suppress any movement that opposed the ruling political policy.

The President’s announcement has sparked outrage throughout the country, as many fear for their rights. Koreans of all ages and socioeconomic classes have banded together, flooding the streets of Seoul in protest. Many believe that Yoon’s reasons for implementing this law were irrational. President Yoon wanted to eliminate “anti-state” forces who he accused of supporting North Korea; he gave no direct evidence while discussing this. South Korean citizen An Gwi-ryeong said, “There is a lot of blame for the military, but the one who is to blame the most is Yoon Suk Yeol, who made his military train its guns at its citizens.”

This situation was resolved about six hours after martial law was declared, at 4:30am on Wednesday, December 2024; the law was lifted during a cabinet meeting. This demonstrated the true power of the people, with the martial law not even lasting for a day due to the backlash from not just normal citizens but also members of Yoon’s cabinet and party.

Photo Creds: Foreign Policy