The impact of South Korea's brief martial law on people's lives

On December 3, 2024, South Korea faced a dramatic upheaval when martial law was declared, leaving lasting impacts on many citizens. That night, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol interrupted national broadcasts to suspend civilian governance, deploying soldiers and tanks into central Seoul. Helicopters landed troops who smashed windows and stormed parliament while lawmakers fought to overturn the decree. Amid thousands of protesters in the streets, the National Assembly voted within hours to nullify the order.

A year later, three individuals share how their lives were irrevocably changed while defending democracy.

Lawmaker Challenges Armed Forces

Freshman lawmaker Kim Sang-wook rushed to the National Assembly to confront armed soldiers. "I shouted, 'The National Assembly is not a place for you to enter!'" he recalled. Initially a member of Yoon's conservative party, Kim felt compelled to stop martial law. After aiding in the emergency vote that halted the decree, he collaborated with the opposition to pursue impeachment. Facing an eight-vote shortfall, Kim led efforts to persuade colleagues.

Just over a week after the brief imposition of martial law, on December 14, lawmakers from Yoon's ruling party joined the opposition to pass impeachment. Kim described feeling both relief and uncertainty. A photo of him sitting alone and crying in the chamber went viral. Following weeks of reflection, he publicly supported opposition leader Lee Jae Myung, who later became president, and switched parties. "What happened after December 3 gave my life and my politics a direction," Kim said. "I now know clearly where I should go, and for that, I am grateful."

Civil Servant Resigns in Protest

Ryu Hyuk, then inspector general at the Justice Ministry, immediately headed to his office upon hearing the announcement. As the ministry's internal watchdog, the 57-year-old deemed any participation in implementing martial law unacceptable. He resigned, bursting into a meeting to declare, "No matter your political views, martial law is not acceptable," before leaving. Ryu was the sole civil servant to resign during the crisis. A year later, he remains undecided about his next step. A registered lawyer, he now spends his time scuba diving and running.

Young Woman Confronts a Tank

Twenty-five-year-old Kim Da-in, just learning to drive, sped to the National Assembly with her parents as martial law was declared. Arriving after parliament overturned the decree, she witnessed a military tank advancing and ran toward it without hesitation. That night sparked her continued involvement in street protests and rallies outside Yoon's residence. The energy and determination of activists inspired her to shift from online studies to a physical university campus, seeking to be among those who motivated her. A video of her confronting the tank went viral, earning her the nickname "the woman who stopped the tank." "I didn't think about gender when I stepped in front of the tank," she said. "What I want to say... is simple: I intend to keep standing my ground."

Author: Sophia Brooks