"A year after his predecessor's effort to impose martial law failed amid public outcry, South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung praised ordinary citizens on Wednesday for helping thwart the power grab and for reaffirming the resilience of the country's democracy. A year ago, thousands gathered around the country's National Assembly, after then President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the opposition of "legislative dictatorship.""
"Yoon sent troops to the National Assembly and issued decrees banning political activities. But the parliament successfully voted down the martial law declaration, forcing Yoon to lift it after only six hours. Ordinary citizens rushed to defend the parliament against martial law troops. Lee told a press conference on Wednesday that South Koreans had "astonished the world" by restoring democratic government" from a self-coup a situation where an elected or incumbent executive sweeps away legislatures, constitutions, elections or other means of holding them accountable."
"Within days, law enforcement started investigating 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 Dec. 14, 2024, with at least a dozen lawmakers from Yoon's own party joining the opposition to unseat him. The Constitutional Court confirmed his impeachment in April in a unanimous decision."
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, sent troops to the National Assembly and issued decrees banning political activities while accusing the opposition of "legislative dictatorship." Parliament voted down the martial law declaration within six hours and ordinary citizens rushed to defend the legislature against troops. President Lee Jae Myung praised citizens for restoring democratic government, calling their actions to have "astonished the world." Law enforcement investigated Yoon, who was arrested and later impeached; the Constitutional Court confirmed the impeachment. Yoon has been indicted for insurrection, abuse of power and attempted treason amid allegations he provoked North Korea with drone strikes.
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