One year after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's abrupt martial law declaration, Koreans on December 3, 2025, recalled their shock and demanded safeguards to protect democracy. President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to designate December 3 as 'People's Sovereignty Day,' while opposition lawmakers issued apologies. A court denied an arrest warrant for a former ruling party floor leader.
On the night of December 3, 2024, former President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law, plunging South Korea into confusion. Busan student Kim Ja-min, 25, recalled in The Korea Times interviews, "At first, I thought it must be fake," describing the shock of a history book event unfolding in real time. A 30s consultant called it "unimaginable in this era," while a 60s woman simply asked, "Why martial law?"
Most respondents viewed the declaration as unjustified and saw impeachment as inevitable. Daegu office worker Park Seung-wook, 28, described it as "a form of rebellion" warranting removal. However, some disagreed, with self-employed businessman Kim, 54, arguing political infighting caused greater harm by paralyzing state functions.
On the first anniversary, December 3, 2025, President Lee Jae Myung delivered a special address thanking citizens who "rushed to the National Assembly" and announced designating the date as "People’s Sovereignty Day." He called it "unprecedented... that unarmed citizens thwarted it peacefully," proposing it as a national holiday via legislative process to honor the "Revolution of Light."
Twenty-five People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers issued a joint apology, labeling the act an "unconstitutional and undemocratic" blow to democracy built with "blood and sweat." They pledged to sever ties with Yoon. PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk expressed "deep responsibility," and floor leader Song Eon-seog apologized on behalf of 107 lawmakers for failing to prevent the shock.
Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court denied an arrest warrant for former PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho, citing disputes over facts and insufficient grounds like flight risk. The special counsel alleged Choo changed party meeting venues to block 90 of 108 lawmakers from voting to lift the decree. Respondents urged martial law law revisions, official training, and media diversity to prevent recurrence, noting the country remains unsettled.
