Protest against President Yoon

Photo by Joshua Ko

South Korea has been one of the democratic beacons in East Asia, with its citizens deeply interested in political issues and taking actions such as large campaigns and national petitions. This political engagement of the nation has been related to multiple political turmoils in modern Korean history, such as President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment. Recent protests against both  President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea’s 20th president, and his administration have demonstrated the vibrancy of that democratic tradition while also reflecting the citizens’ desires and struggles to maintain it.

The background of these protests is closely related to recent political actions of President Yoon’s administration, including the declaration of martial law. In early December 2024, President Yoon declared emergency martial law in an unannounced national TV address, mentioning threats from “North Korean communist forces” as his reason and also accusing the opposition party lawmakers. He claimed that they were engaged in “anti-state activities” that are leading the nation towards ruin. This is the first time martial law has been declared in Korea since 1980. This surprising move by Yoon was widely perceived as an attempt to suppress political dissent and consolidate power. 

The motivation for this shocking declaration involved growing tensions between President Yoon and the National Assembly. The legislative branch of Korea, mainly controlled by the opposition party, had been actively opposing Yoon’s budget proposals and initiating impeachment proceedings against members of his cabinet. In response, Yoon accused the opposition of working with North Korea to undermine the government, which was a claim that lacked substantive evidence.

The martial law degree, announced late on December 3, 2024, aimed to suspend political activities, restrict press freedoms, and disable the National Assembly. This action led to immediate protests and widespread condemnation from both domestic and international communities. The 190 legislators reacted immediately, convening an emergency session and unanimously voting to lift the declaration. Facing mounting pressure, President Yoon rescinded the degree just hours after its announcement.

This reckless attempt by President Yoon caused strong backlash both from the general public and the opposition parties, leading to widespread controversies across South Korea. Citizens, deeply frustrated by Yoon’s attempt to suddenly suspend their democratic rights, gathered in the streets and participated in mass protests, expressing their anger and disappointment. Vigils and rallies were held across the nation, reflecting public outrage and frustration toward President Yoon’s decision. 

Candle-lit vigils were a powerful symbol of resistance, echoing past movements in South Korea’s history, such as the pro-democracy protests of the 1980s and the impeachment campaign of former President Park Geun-hye. These vigils, held in major cities including Seoul, Busan, and Guangju, served as a unifying force, bringing people of Korea together to demand the restoration of constitutional order. One of the focal points of the protests was Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, a historically significant site for political activism in Korea. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered there, chanting slogans, holding banners, and demanding President Yoon’s resignation. Protesters also gathered outside the National Assembly, where they sought to pressure lawmakers into taking decisive action against Yoon’s administration. 

During the protests, younger demonstrators infused a distinct cultural element into the movement. Instead of traditional candles, many protesters–especially K-pop fans–waved colorful K-pop light sticks, which were made to be used at concerts, turning the demonstrations into a striking visual display of defiance. These light sticks, which come in various colors representing different K-pop groups, turned into the symbols of unity and resilience throughout the protesters. Additionally, festive decorations and digital displays replaced conventional protest materials, reflecting the younger generation’s ability to blend political activism with modern pop culture. This unique approach not only captured international attention but also highlighted the political passion and power that South Korea’s vibrant young generation has.

The creative and somewhat entertaining nature of these protests reinforced the citizens’ firm stance against authoritarian measures. Despite the festive elements, the underlying message was serious: South Koreans would not tolerate any erosion of their democracy. The widespread demonstrations, coupled with pressure from the opposition party, ultimately contributed to the swift reversal of Yoon’s martial law declaration and set the stage for his impeachment proceedings.

The opposition party saw these reactions by the public as an opportunity to regain their position as the ruling party and actively pressured Yoon and his administration. They actively organized and supported mass protests while initiating impeachment proceedings against President Yoon in the court. 

Additionally, President Yoon’s decision profoundly impacted the geopolitical atmosphere of the globe. Developed nations that support democracy, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, expressed deep concern over the abrupt move, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles and constitutional order. Fortunately, the quick rescission of martial law prevented it from causing a huge impact on Korea’s international relationships; however, analysts predict that the crisis could have significant implications for South Korea’s alliances, particularly with the United States and Japan, potentially undermining recent efforts to strengthen cooperation with them.