[Feature Story] Democratic System Operates in South Korea

   On December 3rd, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the declaration of martial law in a national address at 10:28 P.M. At 10:30 P.M., the official martial law proclamation was made, which caused significant political waves both domestically and internationally. Many citizens and foreign media were shocked by the announcement, and especially those who had experienced martial law in 1980 took to the streets, fearing a regression of democracy. They gathered at the National Assembly and strongly opposed martial law in an effort to protect democracy.

   After the martial law was declared, at 1:02 A.M. on December 4th, the National Assembly passed a resolution to lift the martial law, which was immediately repealed. Later, at 4:27 A.M., President Yoon delivered his second national address, officially declaring the lifting of martial law. However, simultaneously with the lifting of martial law, the National Assembly introduced an impeachment motion against President Yoon, recalling the experience of 1980, the political struggle to protect democracy became even more intense. Citizens expressed their opinions on democracy from various positions. Students and professors created petitions and posters to criticize the political decisions.

   In politically charged moments like the declaration of martial law, mass media became a vital communication conduit. YouTube, in particular, enabled the rapid dissemination of information and allowed for the exchange of opinions, reflecting how the role of mass media has evolved in modern society. Through this crisis, YouTube demonstrated its ability to influence public opinion and ensure that voices of resistance were heard on a national level. As news of the martial law spread rapidly, many citizens turned to real-time platforms such as YouTube to stay updated and share their perspectives. YouTube, in particular, emerged as a vital space where ordinary citizens, along with experts, could voice their opinions and engage in the discussions surrounding the legitimacy of the martial law. Citizens captured and shared videos of protests and their experiences, contributing to a broader understanding of the situation from various angles. In this sense, YouTube served not only as a channel for disseminating information but also as a space where the voices of the people could be heard in real-time. Even, the leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, also streamed live on YouTube as he made his way to the National Assembly.

   The public gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido to stage a protest regarding the resolution for the impeachment motion against President Yoon. On December 7th, 2024, the first impeachment motion against President Yoon was put to a vote in the National Assembly, but the vote failed due to insufficient quorum. On December 14th, the second impeachment motion against President Yoon was passed in the National Assembly, and the impeachment decision was sent to the Constitutional Court. Later that day, at 4 P.M., the second impeachment motion was approved with 204 votes in favor, and at 7:24 P.M., President Yoon’s suspension from office was declared.

   Once the impeachment motion passed in the National Assembly, the protests in Yeouido came to an end. However, due to President Yoon’s failure to attend the investigation into charges of treason, protests continued in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, with supporters and opponents continuing to clash.

   On January 15th, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) successfully arrested President Yoon and interrogated him for eight hours and 20 minutes before he was detained at the Seoul Detention Center. Later that day, President Yoon filed a request for a detention review at the Seoul Central District Court. On January 16th, President Yoon failed to attend the CIO’s interrogation, the second impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, and the detention review. The Seoul Central District Court dismissed his request for a detention review. On January 17th, President Yoon again failed to attend the CIO’s interrogation, and the CIO applied for an arrest warrant at the Seoul Western District Court.

   On January 18th, President Yoon was transported from the Seoul Detention Center to the Seoul Western District Court, where the substantial hearing for his arrest warrant began at 2 P.M. The hearing was briefly adjourned at 5:20 P.M. and resumed at 5:40 P.M. At 6:50 P.M., the hearing concluded, and President Yoon was returned to the Seoul Detention Center at 7:35 P.M. On January 19th, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon.

   Immediately following the issuance of the arrest warrant, a large-scale riot broke out inside the Seoul Detention Center at around midnight. Some of the detained individuals and inmates resisted, causing chaos. Police and special forces were urgently deployed to suppress the riot, and surrounding roads were fully blocked. The riot caused damage to several buildings, and there were injuries among the detainees. The Seoul Western District Court has established a special investigative team to look into the incident, and the investigation into the causes and background of the riot is ongoing. Despite the clashes between supporters and opponents, and the many events that have unfolded, the trial of President Yoon continues, and its conclusion will soon be reached.

   Although there were attempts to undermine democracy, South Korea’s democratic system has once again proven that individual misjudgments cannot overthrow the national system, based on the sacrifices of its citizens throughout history and the valuable experiences gained from them. Having gone through crises such as the declaration of martial law in 1980, Korean society has solidified its strong will to protect democracy. As a result, today, there is a shared belief that any political crisis can ultimately be overcome by the power of the people. In particular, the unified response of the National Assembly and the citizens in this recent martial law incident demonstrated the maturity and resilience of South Korean democracy.

   While from the perspective of foreigners, such political turmoil may appear to create an unstable and risky environment, South Korea has always held fast to the belief in the strength of democracy in times of such upheaval. The lessons and experiences gained from these past crises have made South Korea a more robust and stable nation, and this crisis will further solidify the country’s move toward a more mature political system. Indeed, through this process, South Korea will reinforce its position as a trusted democracy in the international community.

   Moreover, after swiftly stabilizing the chaotic political situation, South Korea will demonstrate its ability to effectively respond to global challenges. In particular, in line with new international political dynamics such as the re-election of President Trump, South Korea will further strengthen its diplomatic capabilities and prepare to assert its global leadership. By overcoming this crisis, South Korea will not only display political stability but also present itself as an even stronger and more resilient democracy to the world.