Seoul: South Korea commemorated today the first anniversary of the failed martial law attempt that shook the nation in December 2024. Speaking to the nation, President Lee Jae Myung stressed that the process of addressing the political and institutional fallout is “not yet complete” and that those responsible must face full accountability. Lee described the failed decree as a threat not only to South Korea’s democracy but also to the country’s international reputation and democratic values.
The martial law attempt, orchestrated by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, sought to suspend parliamentary functions and pave the way for military intervention. The decree sparked nationwide protests, with lawmakers and citizens defying security forces to prevent its enforcement. Within hours, the parliament successfully overturned the decree, restoring constitutional order. Despite this, the political and social impact of the episode continues to resonate across South Korea.
President Lee highlighted the need for thorough institutional reforms to restore public confidence in the civil–military balance. He noted that while progress has been made, the process of reforming agencies implicated in the crisis, strengthening civilian oversight, and ensuring accountability remains ongoing. Lee called for sustained vigilance and urged all government and security institutions to maintain transparency and discipline.
The anniversary also exposed continued political polarization. Supporters of Lee emphasized the resilience of democratic institutions and the bravery of civil society, while a faction of conservative critics associated with Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) offered cautious apologies, and some hardliners defended the decree as a response to parliamentary challenges. The divide underscores that while constitutional order was restored, public trust will require ongoing efforts to rebuild.
Lee proposed symbolic measures to commemorate the day, including a potential national holiday recognizing citizens’ role in safeguarding democracy and even a suggestion to nominate South Koreans for the Nobel Peace Prize. He described the struggle as a collective effort that highlighted the importance of citizen participation in defending democratic norms.
While the nation reflects on the anniversary, judicial proceedings continue against Yoon and other officials implicated in the decree, with charges ranging from abuse of power to subversion. President Lee emphasized that completing these legal processes is critical to restoring full confidence in governance.
“The cleanup is not complete,” Lee reiterated, underscoring that institutional reforms, public accountability, and civic engagement must continue. As South Korea navigates the legacy of December 2024, the focus remains on strengthening democracy, ensuring civilian supremacy, and learning from past crises to prevent any future threats to the constitutional order.