On the first anniversary of South Korea’s shocking declaration of martial law, President Lee Jae Myung vowed to address the consequences of last year’s failed rebellion and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
On December 3, 2024, former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law led to mass protests and an uproar in Parliament.
“The negligence of those who tried to destroy the constitutional order and even planned war for their personal ambition must be brought to justice,” Lee said on Wednesday.
Lee said in an address marking the anniversary that the bid threatened to cause “irreparable” damage to South Korea’s democracy if the public did not protest.
Rally to commemorate anniversary of martial law declaration
The President said he would propose declaring December 3 a national holiday to honor citizens who resisted the martial law effort, saying they were eligible for consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Seoul police told AFP news agency that at least 2,000 people were expected to rally near the National Assembly on Wednesday to mark the anniversary.
Lee is also scheduled to attend a rally outside the National Assembly, where lawmakers last year defied troops to reject a martial law bid.
Why did Yun declare martial law?
At the time, Yoon said the declaration was needed to rid the country of “pro-North Korean forces” and followed it up by sending troops and police to the assembly.
However, several legislators still managed to enter the assembly chamber to unanimously reject Yoon’s decision, forcing his cabinet to rescind it.
Yoon was removed from office and now faces trial on charges of rebellion along with more than 20 former officials.
Supporters of Yun’s former People’s Power Party are planning counter-protests and urging party leaders not to apologize for the crisis.
Lee also said Wednesday that he thinks North Korea should apologize for its earlier drone and leaflets campaign, but he fears that could lead to political tension.
Seoul stayed away from Japan-China dispute
During his address, Lee also said that 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 aimed to find conditions for renewed dialogue between North Korea and the United States, including a review of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
Edited by: Zack Crellin