SEOUL – Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the South Korean opposition party spokesperson whose bold confrontation with a rifle-wielding soldier went viral during resistance to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, insists she is not extraordinary.
Footage of Ms. Ahn grappling with a soldier and shouting “Let go! Don’t you feel the shame?” has become a symbol of defiance after lawmakers and aides thwarted martial law troops. Despite her actions being widely lauded, she credited the collective bravery of others who resisted, including those who stopped armored vehicles.
The controversial martial law declaration, which lasted just 2.5 hours, was unanimously rejected by 190 lawmakers, intensifying public calls for President Yoon’s impeachment. Ms. Ahn questioned the president’s leadership, stating, “Who could trust a president declaring martial law almost like a child playing games?”