Late at night, on the 3rd of December, 2024, President Yoon of South Korea declared martial law in response to alleged pro-North Korean activities and groups spreading anti-state sentiments. Although it was close to midnight, the National Assembly lifted the martial law order with majority consent before morning arrived. A gush of horror swept through the nation in six hours, leaving South Korean citizens and government officials in utter speechlessness and disillusionment.
Under the South Korean constitution, martial law can only be implemented during unquestionable times of national danger, such as wars and natural disasters. President Yoon disobeyed the rule of law and ‘betrayed’ his country by undermining democratic institutions and principles without justified circumstances. Since December 3rd, Yoon and his loyal officials have repeatedly stated that the martial law declaration was legitimate considering the corrupt, liberal-dominated National Assembly attempting to bring Yoon out of power. Specifically, he accused the opposition party of election fraud and their potential scheme to dominate the Assembly. Although unsupported by proof, Yoon has also remarked that Korea was encountering serious security risks posed by anti-state, pro-North Korean forces. Yet, regardless of Yoon’s countless excuses to remain in office and be absolved of potential crimes, he has been impeached, arrested, and recently indicted for insurrection. Even though Yoon continues to argue that his decision to impose martial law was far from an act of rebellion, his future appears to be solely in the hands of the South Korean prosecutors and judges. This circumstance raises a question: Will South Koreans embark on a presidential election two years earlier than scheduled?
This unprecedented event radically changed every aspect of Korean society. Immediately after Yoon declared martial law, citizens of all ages, genders, and backgrounds flooded the streets to call for the president’s impeachment and protest against his tyrannical actions. The people were unwilling to give up the prosperous, democratic nation they had created decades ago after Korea’s military dictatorship was put to an end in the late 20th century. Yoon’s martial law decree was a harrowing reminder of the corrupt, ruthless leaders and political officials who once had citizens under their thumb. What was most disturbing about the martial law declaration was that, all along, Yoon and his party may have planned to use this event as momentum to retreat to a military dictatorship. This martial law imposition, however short-lived, was likely a result of organized insurrection.
Unlike previous protests where older men were the key participants, young women fearlessly stormed through the city, waving candlelight sticks in unison. Female citizens’ unwavering devotion to restoring a stable democratic government sheds light on South Korea’s changing gender roles and power dynamics. Indeed, it appears that women of younger generations are unafraid to stand up for themselves even though conservative and powerful patriarchal systems still exist. While Yoon’s most fervent supporters – those in the far-right, misogynist demographic – posed little hindrance to the female-led protests or their online posts condemning the President’s behavior. In fact, after the series of protests following the December 3rd incident, there has been increased attention toward Korea’s transition from a male-dominated political atmosphere to a more balanced one involving mothers and working females. It could only be a matter of time before women begin taking more active roles and gaining influential positions in the government.
President Yoon remains indicted as South Korea struggles to restore its economic, social, and political stability. Amidst the chaos, horror, and confusion lingering in the cold streets, South Korean citizens displayed fierce intentions to preserve a just, free, safe society to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
Sources:
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