South Korea's Martial Law Incident: What Happened in December 2024?
In December 2024, South Korea experienced an extraordinary event: the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Sukyeol, a decision that shocked both domestic and international audiences. Here's a breakdown of the incident, its background, and the aftermath.

What Led to Martial Law?
South Korea has faced political tension throughout 2024. President Yoon, from the conservative People Power Party, has faced growing opposition from the liberal Democratic Party of Korea and the public due to declining approval ratings, alleged corruption scandals involving First Lady Kim Keonhee, and perceived authoritarian governance. These tensions reached a tipping point in late November when opposition parties pushed for investigations into these allegations and hinted at impeachment. The situation escalated when President Yoon declared martial law on December 2, citing "serious threats to national security" amid rumors of organized political unrest. This marked the first time such a measure was taken since the end of South Korea's military dictatorship in the 1980s, raising concerns over democratic backsliding in one of Asia’s most developed democracies.
Martial Law and Public Reaction
Martial law temporarily suspended certain civil liberties, including public assembly and freedom of speech. Military forces were deployed in key locations, such as Seoul's National Assembly building, sparking widespread protests across the country. Both ruling and opposition lawmakers condemned the move as excessive, and citizens feared the return of authoritarian practices from South Korea's past.
Resolution and Aftermath
The National Assembly moved quickly to counter the president’s actions, passing a resolution to revoke martial law with unanimous support (190 votes). This forced President Yoon to lift the decree within 48 hours. Following this, calls for his resignation intensified, with opposition leaders threatening impeachment unless he voluntarily stepped down. In the aftermath, political polarization deepened. The ruling party faced internal fractures, with some members demanding the president's resignation to restore public trust. Public debates about the role of the military in politics, presidential powers, and the health of South Korea's democracy gained momentum.
International Reactions
South Korea's allies, including the United States, expressed concern over the developments but refrained from direct intervention, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles. Neighboring countries, such as Japan and China, monitored the situation closely, given its implications for regional stability.
Historical Context and Significance
Martial law in South Korea has a heavy historical weight. The country's last major instance of martial law occurred during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, when the military brutally suppressed pro-democracy protests. The 2024 incident revived fears of authoritarianism and reignited discussions about safeguarding democratic values
The December 2024 martial law declaration underscored South Korea's ongoing political challenges but also highlighted the resilience of its democratic institutions. Public and parliamentary opposition to the measure demonstrated the strength of civic and institutional checks on executive power. As the country moves forward, it faces the crucial task of healing political divides and reinforcing trust in its democratic processes. This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy, even in nations with strong democratic traditions, and emphasizes the importance of vigilance against authoritarian tendencies. For more detailed accounts, international observers and experts are closely documenting this pivotal moment in South Korean history.