Martial Law Declaration Revives Painful Memories for South Koreans

South Koreans recently defended democracy after President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law. This sparked memories of the country’s history of military-authoritarian rule, with martial law being frequently declared in the past. The soldiers deployed to enforce martial law were confused and some expressed embarrassment. Lawmakers ultimately nullified Yoon’s order, leading to calls for his resignation or impeachment. South Korea’s history includes multiple instances of martial law under past presidents like Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, and Chun Doo-hwan. The Gwangju uprising in 1980 marked a turning point towards democratization in the country. Yoon’s attempt to replicate past coups did not go as planned, as protesters and lawmakers vehemently opposed his actions. The U.S. alliance with South Korea, viewed as a crucial defense against North Korea, was caught off guard by Yoon’s actions. The U.S. military presence in South Korea has been a deterrent against aggression, but historically, the U.S. has been accused of supporting South Korean dictators over democrats. The recent events in South Korea also brought to mind the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2016, showing that the South Korean people have a history of impactful demonstrations. The Korean public’s strong opposition to Yoon’s martial law declaration demonstrates their determination to prevent a return to authoritarian rule.

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