One year after a declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged on Wednesday the role of citizens in the events that unfolded and discussed the country's democratic processes.
The Martial Law Declaration and Its Aftermath
A year prior, then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing "legislative dictatorship" by the opposition. Troops were deployed to the National Assembly, and decrees prohibiting political activities were issued. The parliament, however, voted down the declaration, leading to its revocation within six hours. Citizens had gathered to oppose the declaration and support the parliament.
President Lee stated on Wednesday that the events represented "the restoration of democratic government" from what he described as a "self-coup," referring to an executive's actions against legislative or constitutional checks.
Legal Proceedings and Indictments
Subsequent investigations commenced against Yoon on charges of insurrection. In January, Yoon became the first sitting president in the country's history to be arrested. The National Assembly impeached him on December 14, 2024, with some lawmakers from his own party supporting the motion. The Constitutional Court affirmed the impeachment in April.
Yoon has since been indicted for alleged insurrection, abuse of power, and attempted treason. In November, a special counsel team alleged that Yoon had sent drones into Pyongyang in October 2024, purportedly to provoke a North Korean response and justify the martial law declaration.
More than a dozen military commanders, along with Yoon's former defense minister, interior minister, and prime minister Han Duck-soo, have also faced indictment for their alleged involvement. Han's trial is ongoing, with a verdict anticipated on January 21, 2026. Yoon and his co-defendants have maintained their innocence, with Yoon defending his martial law declaration as a legitimate governance tool.
Structural Reforms Initiated
In July, the National Assembly revised laws to establish stricter criteria for declaring martial law and enhance parliamentary protections. Military and police presence within the parliamentary compound is now prohibited without the Speaker's consent, even under martial law.
Additional legislative proposals aim to explicitly allow public servants, including military personnel, to disregard unlawful orders from superiors.
Ahn Gyu-back, the first civilian defense minister in 64 years, conducted a reshuffle of military leadership and ordered an internal audit of units involved in the martial law mobilization.
The Lee administration has also initiated a government-wide investigation into officials who cooperated in executing martial law. In September, President Lee proposed a constitutional amendment to change the presidential term limit from a single five-year term to two four-year terms, which would introduce mid-term elections to enhance presidential accountability.
Shifts in South Korea's Political Landscape
A poll conducted last month indicated an increase in public confidence in national institutions such as the government and elections. However, another poll last week suggested that 77% of respondents perceive political polarization as having increased since the martial law declaration.
The People Power Party (PPP), now in opposition and formerly Yoon's party, faces internal debate regarding whether to issue an apology for the former president's actions, a step already taken by military and police chiefs. This decision is relevant for upcoming local elections. On Wednesday, less than a quarter of PPP lawmakers participated in an apology at a press conference.
President Lee's administration navigates the challenge of balancing accountability for the political crisis with promoting national unity. Lee stated that while the intention is not "to mercilessly punish the perpetrators," investigations and trials are necessary, adding, "We need to unite, but unity doesn't mean stitching things up."
International Implications
The events impacted South Korea's international standing, particularly its image as a democratic nation that transitioned from military rule in the 1980s.
It also affected the relationship with the United States, which had maintained a close alliance with the Yoon administration. Allegations that Yoon orchestrated provocations against North Korea raised concerns for the US-South Korea alliance due to potential implications for U.S. troops in the region.
President Lee expressed hope that South Korea's experience could serve as "a historic example for the restoration of democracy" globally. The realization of this outcome may depend on South Korea's ability to maintain political stability and democratic principles.