SEOUL: Protests and candle-lit vigils erupted across South Korea on Wednesday in response to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law the previous night, which sent shockwaves through the nation. The controversial decision, which lasted only six hours but was the first such move since the 1980s, has sparked outrage and calls for Yoon’s resignation, with many fearing a return to authoritarian rule.
In Seoul, outside the National Assembly Hall, hundreds gathered in protest as opposition parties moved forward with an attempt to impeach the president. For many South Koreans, Yoon’s martial law decree has reignited painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past, marked by brutal crackdowns on pro-democracy activists.
A Nation in Shock: The Painful Echoes of Martial Law
Mi-rye, 64, traveled from Paju to Seoul to take part in the protests, recalling how Yoon’s declaration brought back the fear she felt in the 1980s under the military dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan. “A sense of fear completely overwhelmed me,” Mi-rye said, describing the authoritarian regime that saw widespread arrests and human rights abuses.
For older South Koreans like Mi-rye, the martial law was a painful reminder of the past when the military suppressed dissent, imposed curfews, and carried out violent crackdowns on those calling for democratic reforms. Mi-rye recalled the fear of being arrested for something as simple as stepping outside without identification during Chun’s rule, where political opponents were punished, universities shut down, and the press silenced.
I lived through the martial law of the 1980s, and what I felt last night was a terrifying flashback, Mi-rye added.
Fear and Anger Among the Younger Generation
Even young South Koreans, who have only known democracy, have expressed concern over Yoon’s actions. Fifteen-year-old Moon Seo-yeon, a student at the rally, labeled the martial law decree as a “complete mistake” and a sign of poor leadership. “It feels like we’re going backward,” Moon said, pointing to what she saw as Yoon’s slow and ineffective response to events such as the deadly Halloween crowd disaster that claimed over 150 lives.
south korean president, yoon suk delivers speech.
For Moon and others, the president’s actions show a disregard for the democratic values that South Koreans fought so hard to establish. “We need to be vigilant, even if it’s just a small effort,” she said.
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Growing Calls for Impeachment and Resignation
As protests continued across the nation, pressure on President Yoon intensified. Six opposition parties have jointly submitted a bill calling for his impeachment, with a vote expected as early as Friday. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has formalized plans to charge Yoon with treason, along with South Korea’s defense and interior ministers.
Yoon’s actions have also led to unrest within his own political party, and his approval ratings have plummeted as he faces growing backlash from all sides. The public’s frustration was palpable during the candle-lit rallies in Seoul, with many chanting slogans calling for his resignation and arrest.
In a response to the growing discontent, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday. Kim’s resignation came after widespread calls for his removal following the martial law declaration. However, for many protesters like Mi-rye, Yoon’s resignation is the only acceptable solution.
I will continue to protest until Yoon steps down,” Mi-rye vowed. “Although the martial law was lifted, I’m still afraid that it could be re-declared. That’s why I’m here.”
With political turmoil at a fever pitch and no resolution in sight, South Korea now faces a crossroads in its modern history, as citizens demand accountability and an end to the shadows of its authoritarian past.
