Nation Overcomes First Attempted Coup in Over 40 Years Within Hours
Seoul, South Korea – South Koreans woke up on Wednesday to an unprecedented chapter in their nation’s history: the briefest imposition of martial law, which lasted only two hours.
On Tuesday night, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing a need to “protect the nation from North Korean communists and eliminate anti-state elements.” In ambiguous terms, he claimed the move was essential to “rebuild and protect the country from collapse.” Troops were deployed to blockade the National Assembly in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from interfering in his plans.
However, Yoon’s efforts swiftly unraveled. Legislators convened late into the night, defying the blockade, and voted to lift martial law before dawn. By morning, the nation had quashed its first attempted coup in more than four decades.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
While life resumed as usual for students and office workers across the country, the National Assembly remained a focal point of tension. Hundreds of citizens gathered outside the building, joining opposition-led demonstrations. The Democratic Party, the primary opposition, introduced an impeachment motion against Yoon, which they hope to pass by Saturday.
Min Jun-shik, a 43-year-old office worker photographing the protests, reflected the public sentiment: “Yoon doesn’t have the capabilities of a president. He should resign soon.”
Many drew parallels to Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first impeached president, removed from office in 2017 following corruption charges. Min remarked, “This feels like déjà vu. It reminds me of when we called for Park’s resignation.”
Political analyst Chung Joo-shin, director of the Korea Institute of Politics and Society, criticized Yoon’s actions as detrimental to South Korea’s global reputation. “The martial law declaration tarnished the country’s democratic image, which has been a hallmark of its post-authoritarian progress,” Chung said. “Facing record-low approval ratings amid rising inflation and recurring scandals, Yoon’s move appeared more like a desperate gamble than a well-thought-out plan.”
A Troubled Legacy of Martial Law
Martial law has a fraught history in South Korea, last invoked during military dictatorships. The country transitioned to democracy in 1988 after years of struggle, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, where hundreds of protesters were killed during a violent military crackdown.
For some, Yoon’s actions stirred painful memories. Jeon Hyun-jung, 33, whose mother worked in Gwangju during the protests, struggled to sleep on Tuesday night. “Hearing helicopters and armored vehicles through a friend’s phone call brought back fears that soldiers might use force against citizens,” she said.
Others, like 65-year-old Lee Gil-bok from Paju, expressed deep disillusionment with the nation’s leadership. “Politicians today only serve their own interests. It’s hard to trust anyone in power,” she lamented, adding that the events made her reconsider sending her grandchildren abroad for better opportunities.
The Aftermath
Yoon’s martial law declaration, unprecedented in its brevity, highlighted the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions. While it briefly shook the nation, swift action by lawmakers ensured stability prevailed.
For many South Koreans, the episode underscored the resilience of their democracy—but also served as a stark reminder of the challenges their leaders must overcome to rebuild public trust.
