Today the Republic of Korea reflects on a pivotal moment in its modern history as it commemorates the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, a bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempt that lasted mere hours before being overturned by the National Assembly.
Thousands of citizens rallied outside the National Assembly building yesterday, honoring the swift collective action of lawmakers, protesters, and institutions that preserved constitutional order and prevented a slide into authoritarianism.
The events of that fateful night began late on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from "pro-North anti-state forces" and alleged election fraud. Troops were deployed to surround the National Assembly, and lawmakers scrambled some even climbing walls to convene and unanimously vote to lift the decree within six hours.
The declaration sparked immediate nationwide protests, with citizens flooding the streets of Seoul in sub-zero temperatures, their phone flashlights symbolizing a "candlelight of democracy." This public outcry, reminiscent of the 2016-2017 Candlelight Revolution, underscored the nation's deep-rooted commitment to democratic principles.
In the aftermath, the crisis led to Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, making him the first sitting president in South Korea's history to face such action.
He was arrested in January 2025 and is currently on trial for charges including inciting unrest and undermining the Constitution The political turmoil paved the way for a snap presidential election, resulting in the victory of Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, who assumed office amid promises of reform and accountability.
President Lee Jae-myung, addressing the nation on the anniversary, emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and justice. "We have overcome an unprecedented crisis of democracy, but the clean-up is not yet complete," Lee stated, vowing "strict accountability" for those involved in what he described as a "self-coup" attempt.
He praised the "young people who became the candlelight of democracy on that dark night" and called for constitutional reforms to prevent future presidents from unilaterally imposing martial law. Lee also urged national unity, stating, "We must never again allow the ghosts of authoritarianism to walk our streets."
From his detention, former President Yoon issued a defiant message through his legal representatives, urging Koreans to "rise again" and defending his actions as necessary to defend the constitutional order against existential threats.
Supporters of Yoon, including some international voices, have framed the declaration as a heroic stand against alleged corruption and foreign influence, though mainstream accounts view it as an illegal power grab.
Commemorative activities across the country included "dark tours" at the National Assembly, where visitors retraced the steps of lawmakers who thwarted the decree, highlighting how the crisis exposed systemic vulnerabilities but also affirmed the strength of South Korea's democratic institutions. Ongoing hearings and investigations continue to probe key figures involved, with trials emphasizing the nation's resolve to hold perpetrators accountable.
As South Korea looks forward, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of democracy's fragility and the power of collective action. President Lee has pledged to "complete the light revolution," focusing on rebuilding trust, strengthening judicial independence, and ensuring such events never recur.
The fallout from December 3, 2024, has reshaped the political landscape, inspiring a new generation often called the "candlelight generation" to remain vigilant in safeguarding freedom.