SEOUL – South Korea erupted in widespread protests on Dec 4, with demonstrators condemning President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law. The move, described by critics as a “self-coup,” has sparked a fierce backlash in the country’s vibrant democracy.
The streets of Seoul swarmed with protestors and a heavy police presence as labor unions called a general strike, and opposition leaders demanded President Yoon resign and face charges of insurrection. Crowds gathered outside the National Assembly after lawmakers voted to block Mr. Yoon’s martial law declaration. Many accused the president of acting to shield himself and First Lady Kim Keon-hee from mounting scandals.
“It was a self-coup, intended to protect himself and his wife,” one protester shouted amidst the rallying cries and the singing of South Korea’s national anthem.
Opposition leaders were equally vocal in their criticism. Cho Kuk, a prominent politician, accused Mr. Yoon of “treason, military rebellion, and violations of constitutional and legal provisions.” Former presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung praised citizens for standing up against the attempted power grab, calling Mr. Yoon unfit to make “normal and reasonable judgment.”
The opposition has since submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon, which, if passed by two-thirds of the Parliament and approved by the Constitutional Court, could remove him from office.
Public Outrage and Renewed Democratic Vigilance
Protests also saw younger South Koreans taking to the streets, many comparing the moment to the historic 2016 demonstrations that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
“We have to defend our democracy,” said Ms. Shin So-yeon, a protester in her 20s. “There is no other option.”
Others expressed disbelief over how close the country came to reversing decades of democratic progress. “It was like something out of a history textbook,” said Mr. Park Su-hyung, 39. As protests continued into the night, demonstrators marched on the National Assembly, demanding Mr. Yoon’s resignation.
“The President is crazy,” said Ms. Choi Moon-jung, 55, echoing the sentiments of many who filled Seoul’s central square, vowing to remain steadfast in their fight to protect South Korea’s democracy.