South Korea Grapples with Anxiety Following Martial Law Declaration and Subsequent Revocation

Citizens across South Korea have articulated sentiments of worry, shock, and confusion after the nation’s president initiated political turmoil by declaring martial law, only to revoke the measure hours later amidst significant public opposition. In a televised address on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol asserted that military rule was essential to safeguard the country from North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements; however, Members of Parliament swiftly blocked this declaration. This situation has left some South Koreans apprehensive about the repercussions of the political instability, including Seoul resident Ra Ji-soo, who reported hearing helicopters near her home late on Tuesday. Speaking shortly after the president’s address, she conveyed to the BBC that it felt like a “coup d’état in Myanmar is happening here in Korea. I’m worried.” Further contributing to the perception of events escalating beyond control, she also mentioned that a friend in the police force had received an emergency mobilization order and had promptly rushed to the station. In the immediate aftermath of President Yoon’s announcement, the country’s military declared the suspension of all parliamentary activity. Footage displayed a substantial police presence outside the National Assembly in the Yeongdeungpo District of the South Korean capital, and altercations erupted between police and protesters before lawmakers were able to access the building and vote down the measure. Despite the specific language of President Yoon’s pronouncement, it rapidly became evident within South Korea that his drastic action was a response to a series of political developments that had destabilized his leadership. A South Korean woman, who requested anonymity due to fears of speaking out, stated her belief that President Yoon was “attempting to restrict everyone’s freedom and right to express their concerns and judgement towards the government.” She further added, “I am so scared that South Korea will turn into another North Korea.” Another Seoul resident, Kim Mi-rim, informed the BBC that she had hastily prepared an emergency kit, fearing the situation could escalate. She recalled that previous instances of martial law had involved arrests and imprisonment. The BBC also communicated with journalists in Seoul who were coordinating closely, exchanging advice on maintaining safety while it appeared that martial law might remain in effect, potentially placing all media and publishing activities under strict government control. Other individuals expressed concerns that they could be inadvertently affected by the repercussions of the political chaos. “How can someone who say he serves the country be so careless in acting on his whim,” Don Jung Kang, a small business owner who makes accessories, told the BBC. He continued, “As a self-employed person I really think there will be a massive damage to my business. Just from his words the currency has crashed… And it will seriously affect importing materials.” On Tuesday night, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party, urged lawmakers and the public to gather outside the National Assembly building – the main parliament – in Seoul. Protesters chanted “no to martial law” and “strike down dictatorship” as the sounds of sirens from dozens of assembled police patrol cars and riot police buses occasionally resonated. Clashes between police and protesters were observed on live streams in the early hours of Wednesday, before the president’s reversal led to scenes of jubilation outside the parliament complex. Juye Hong, a South Korean university student, stated that her family and friends had been “frantically texting, trying to make sense of this situation,” which felt like “being thrown into a complete nightmare” as the drama unfolded. She commented that the lack of clarity made the initial announcement “even more distressing.” “People are saying there are soldiers across the city and tanks across the major districts,” said Juye. She added, “My friends and I don’t know if schools will be open tomorrow, how the falling value of the won and rising exchange rates will affect the economy, and if young men might be conscripted.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.