A year after South Korea’s martial law crisis, the president urges unity, but the wounds are still raw
Guardian1 day
South Korean President Lee Marks Martial Law Anniversary, Calls for Justice
Was Yoon's martial law a constitutional duty against subversion, or a premeditated coup after electoral defeat?
Above: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks at the Blue House in Seoul on Dec. 3, 2025. Image credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
The Spin
Liberal narrative
Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law was a premeditated insurrection, not a defense of democracy. He plotted for months, placing loyalists in key posts and provoking crises to justify seizing power. Fortunately, the darkness of insurrection was crushed by the people’s courage. On the first anniversary, President Lee honors their role, calls for stern punishment of perpetrators, and proposes Dec. 3 as the day of the "People's Sovereignty" to strengthen democracy and help the nation heal.
Conservative narrative
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Dec. 3 martial law was a necessary defense of the Republic of Korea, not a coup. Confronted with anti-ROK forces aligned with China and North Korea, a paralyzed legislature, and judicial bias, he acted to protect sovereignty and freedom. Accusations of “insurrection” are politically motivated, while Lee’s calls for lifelong punishment of officials and their families echo authoritarianism, undermining rule of law and threatening the very democratic principles he claims to defend.
Cynical narrative
A year after Dec. 3, South Korea remains deeply divided over Yoon’s martial law. While President Lee celebrates the “Revolution of Light” and proposes a national holiday to honor the people’s defense of democracy, conservative rallies back Yoon, claiming martial law was justified. Thousands of citizens attend opposing marches, reflecting persistent mistrust and polarization. Even as trials and investigations continue, genuine reconciliation and national unity remain distant goals.
Public Figures
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.1
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.1