On December 3, 2024, South Korea experienced significant political turmoil when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing threats to national security allegedly posed by opposition parties. This marked the first use of martial law in South Korea in over 40 years, sparking widespread panic and protests across the nation. The military was deployed to key locations, including the National Assembly, where there were tense standoffs between troops and citizens. However, no major violence occurred, and some soldiers were seen apologizing to protesters, emphasizing their commitment to democracy.
The move was met with strong opposition domestically and internationally. South Korea’s parliament swiftly voted to revoke the martial law declaration within hours, asserting its unconstitutionality. The backlash included calls for President Yoon’s impeachment and large-scale strikes organized by labor unions. International criticism also emerged, with several foreign governments advising caution to their citizens in South Korea.
The incident has left South Korea politically and socially shaken, with discussions about the legality and implications of the declaration ongoing in the judiciary and public discourse.