One year on from martial law crisis, South Korea celebrates its democracy's resilience

Anthony Kuhn

Se Eun Gong

December 03, 2025 / 4:37 am

SEOUL, South Korea — A year after his predecessor's effort to impose martial law failed amid public outcry, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung praised ordinary citizens on Wednesday for helping thwart the power grab and for reaffirming the resilience of the country's democracy.

A year ago, thousands gathered around the country's National Assembly, after then President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the opposition of "legislative dictatorship."

Yoon sent troops to the National Assembly and issued decrees banning political activities. But the parliament successfully voted down the martial law declaration, forcing Yoon to lift it

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