The dramatic turn of events in South Korea, initiated by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3, has plunged the country into a political crisis. However, the martial law was lifted just hours later through a motion passed by the Korean National Assembly. Meanwhile, the opposition parties have already initiated the process of impeaching the president. The immediate and massive public outcry against the declaration could turn into renewed activism among citizens, reminiscent of past “candlelight revolutions”.
While South Korea is widely recognised for its vibrant popular culture, as well as its astonishing economic transformation, it is often forgotten that Korea is a young democracy. The horrific memories of decades of authoritarian and military dictatorship remain vivid in the collective consciousness and continue to shape public sentiment and Korean politics. South Korea’s democratic transformation in the late 1980s after decades of struggle, which subsequently propelled it to become one of Asia’s most dynamic democracies, serves as a source of pride for the South Korean people. The existence of a brutal dictatorship in North Korea further leads South Koreans to cherish their democratic achievements and remain vigilant in defending them.
The recent declaration........