Opposition Spokesperson Recounts Seizing Soldier’s Weapon During South Korean Martial Law Incident to BBC

A tumultuous evening in South Korea unfolded with events many believed belonged to the country’s past. A specific incident has drawn considerable public notice: a woman’s confrontation with soldiers deployed to prevent legislators from accessing the National Assembly. Video widely circulated online shows Ahn Gwi-ryeong, 35, a spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Party, taking hold of a soldier’s weapon amidst the disorder. She informed the BBC Korean Service, “I didn’t think… I just knew we had to stop this.” Ahn proceeded towards the assembly structure as military personnel converged upon it, soon after the president’s declaration of martial law throughout South Korea. For her, as with many younger South Koreans, the term “martial law” was unfamiliar, having last been invoked in 1979. Upon initially learning of the news, Ahn confessed that “a sense of panic took over.” Under martial law, political engagements such as rallies and demonstrations are forbidden, strikes and labor actions are disallowed, and media and publishing operations fall under governmental control. Those who infringe these rules may face arrest or detention without a warrant. Soon after the martial law declaration, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung urged legislators to convene at the National Assembly to conduct a vote aimed at annulling the decree. Reaching the assembly building just after 23:00 local time, Ahn recounted switching off office lights to prevent being noticed while helicopters hovered above. By the moment she arrived at the principal edifice, soldiers were in a confrontation with officials, aides, and members of the public. She stated: “When I saw the armed soldiers… I felt like I was witnessing the regression of history.” Ahn and her associates were determined to stop the troops from gaining entry to the main building, the designated location for the vote. They secured the revolving doors from within and stacked furniture and other substantial items against the entrances. As the military commenced its advance, Ahn moved to the front. She remarked, “Honestly, I was scared at first,” further stating: “But seeing such confrontation, I thought, ‘I can’t stay silent’.” The assembly approved the resolution demanding the revocation of martial law at approximately 01:00. All 190 attending members cast their votes to nullify it. By 04:26, President Yoon declared his reversal of the decision. Following the abatement of the disorder, Ahn rested briefly within the assembly building. She elaborated: “I was actually a little scared to go outside the assembly in the morning because there didn’t seem to be any taxis running, and after such a storm last night, it was hard to get back to reality.” Throughout her discussion with the BBC, Ahn wore the identical black turtleneck and leather jacket seen in the previous night’s footage. On occasion, she became visibly emotional. She commented, “It’s heartbreaking and frustrating that this is happening in 21st century Korea.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no accountability for the content found on external websites. Details concerning our policy on external links are available.