On the first anniversary of South Korea’s shock declaration of martial law, President Lee Jae Myung vowed to address the fallout from last year’s failed insurrection and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
On December 3, 2024, former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law prompted massive protests and a showdown in parliament.
“The recklessness of those who tried to destroy the constitutional order and even plan a war all for their personal ambition must be brought to justice,” Lee said on Wednesday.
Lee said in an address marking the anniversary that the bid had threatened to inflict “irreparable” damage on South Korea’s democracy if not for public resistance.
Rally to mark the anniversary of martial law declaration
The president said he would propose designating December 3 a national holiday to honor citizens who opposed the martial law attempt, adding they deserved consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Seoul police told AFP news agency that at least 2,000 people are expected to rally near the National Assembly on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary.
Lee is also due to attend the rally outside National Assembly, where last year lawmakers had defied soldiers to vote down the martial law bid.
Why did Yoon declare martial law?
At the time, Yoon said the declaration was needed to rid the country of “pro-North Korean forces” and followed it by sending troops and police into the Assembly.
However, enough lawmakers still managed to enter an Assembly chamber to unanimously vote down Yoon’s decree, forcing his cabinet to rescind it.
Yoon was removed from office and now faces trial on insurrection charges, alongside more than 20 former officials.
Supporters of Yoon’s former People Power Party are planning a counter-protest urging party leaders not to apologize for the crisis.
Lee also said on Wednesday he felt an apology was owed to North Korea for his predecessor’s drone and leaflet campaign, but feared it would flame political tensions.
Seoul steers clear of Japan-China dispute
During his address, Lee also said he would maintain neutrality in the ongoing China–Japan dispute over Taiwan.
“Japan and China are in conflict, and taking sides only worsens tensions,” he said.
The South Korean president also said he aims to seek conditions for renewed dialogue between North Korea and the United States, including reviewing joint US–South Korea military exercises.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
