On the anniversary of an attempted imposition of martial law, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung underscored the need for justice against those involved in the 2024 crisis, emphasizing that the struggle to safeguard democracy is ongoing. In a televised address, Lee highlighted the ongoing investigations and trials and insisted that “righteous unity” can only be achieved once accountability is enforced.
Despite his calls for unity, a palpable division was evident in Seoul. Hundreds of supporters of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, who initiated the martial law attempt, gathered outside the national assembly, waving flags and calling for his return. This occurred alongside preparations for larger pro-democracy gatherings expected to draw thousands later in the evening.
The date marks a historic moment; on December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon declared martial law, alleging threats from “pro-North anti-state forces” and concerns over election integrity. The move aimed to curtail political activities, sanction warrantless arrests, and deploy troops to the assembly. However, within hours, a massive citizen response led Parliament to unanimously overturn the decree.
Describing the martial law attempt as a “self-coup,” Lee stated that South Koreans deserved recognition for their non-violent resistance amid a democratic crisis. The aftermath saw citizens adopting K-pop concert lightsticks as a symbol of their peaceful protest, with nightly gatherings dubbed the “revolution of light.”
Following the crisis, Yoon was impeached and removed from office, paving the way for Lee’s election. Yoon now faces trial on several serious charges, including leading an insurrection, with his lawyers contesting the accusations. Several of his former aides are also on trial related to the martial law attempt, although verdicts are not expected until 2026.
As political divisions deepen, Hannah Kim, a professor at Sogang University, noted that these splits existed prior to the martial law incident but have since become more pronounced. The ongoing polarization raises concerns about the future stability of South Korean democracy.
The crisis has fueled a rising radical rightwing movement, highlighted by incidents of violence from Yoon’s supporters following his impeachment and the propagation of conspiracy theories regarding elections. Meanwhile, the conservative People Power Party, once led by Yoon, has expressed regret for its role in the crisis, even as internal divisions remain.
In response to the events of 2024, the current government is conducting comprehensive reviews and investigations of civil servants, which have sparked debates about privacy rights. The police have also publicly apologized for their actions during the martial law attempt.
The political landscape remains contentious, with calls for accountability tempered by concerns over the current administration’s governance style. In a hopeful turn, Lee expressed aspirations that South Korea’s journey towards restoring democracy could serve as a blueprint for other nations. He proposed designating December 3 as “National Sovereignty Day” and planned to participate in the evening’s pro-democracy celebrations.
While Lee and his administration strive for healing, experts assert that genuine reconciliation and reform are essential to address the underlying issues stemming from the martial law crisis, which continues to leave deep scars in South Korean society.