Martial Law in Twenty-First Century South Korea? (Part I)

Jan 20, 2025 | 6 min read

In the past two months, South Korea has been rocked by an unprecedented political crisis, culminating in the impeachment and arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection. His shocking December 3rd declaration of martial law—intended to override political opposition—was met with swift resistance from lawmakers and citizens, evoking memories of the country’s authoritarian past. In this first part of our conversation, Dr. Scott Gregory and Dr. Sandra Park unpack the dramatic chain of events, the immediate impact on daily life, and the unique ways South Koreans—particularly the younger generation—are responding, blending political protest with cultural expression.