South Korea: For protesters, martial law is “reminder of threat to democracy”

Candlelight demonstrations were held across South Korea on Wednesday night (4). Protesters called for the resignation of the president, Yoon Suk Yeol, after the attempt to declare martial law on Tuesday (3)

Outside the National Assembly Hall in the capital Seoul, hundreds of people gathered as opposition parties called for the president’s impeachment. Tuesday’s events sent shockwaves across the country and plunged Asia’s fourth-largest economy into political uncertainty.

People at the rally who spoke to the CNN described Yoon’s action — the first declaration of martial law since South Korea transitioned to democracy in the late 1980s — as “insanity” and “shame.”

For Mi-rye, 64, the decree brought back dark memories of a painful, authoritarian past marked by mass arrests and human rights abuses.

“A feeling of fear completely overcame me,” said Mi-rye, who only wanted to be called by her first name for fear of retaliation, after watching Yoon’s speech on Tuesday.

She reported that she was unable to sleep and so traveled from her hometown of Paju in Gyeonggi Province, near the border with North Korea, to Seoul to “stay vigilant.”

After Army Major General Chun Doo-hwan seized power in a coup and declared martial law in the 1980s, people lived under strict curfews and “anyone caught outside was taken to the camp.” Samcheong’s re-education,” Mi-rye said.

“Even a smoke break could get you arrested,” she said. “People who walked on the street without identity documents were detained. Police were stationed everywhere, waiting to catch people.”

Under his rule, opponents were arrested, universities were closed, political activities were banned and the press was stifled. Nearly 200 people were killed in 1980 when Chun sent the army to suppress pro-democracy student demonstrations.

Professor Kyung-soo, 55, told CNN who lived near the university in Gwangju, where many students lost their lives.

“I grew up in an environment full of fear,” he told CNN at another candlelight rally near Seoul City Hall on Wednesday night local time. “Martial law was something I felt deeply and personally. Just yesterday, I was afraid that shots might be fired at the National Assembly,” he added.

Kyung-soo, who also wanted to be identified only by his first name, says his fear “stems from the actions of a government that seems disconnected from the voices of its people.”

Martial law “is not just a distant memory,” he said.

“It’s a painful reminder of how easily democracy can be threatened.”

It’s a message that resonates even among those who only knew democracy in South Korea.

Moon Seo-yeon is just 15 years old but was determined to attend rallies in Seoul on Wednesday, saying Yoon’s statement was a “mistake” and showed a “complete lack of consideration.”

For Moon, the martial law decree was the latest in a series of grievances, and no progress has been made during his term.

“During Yoon’s tenure, many significant events were mishandled or not addressed. It seems like there has been no progress, or worse, steps backwards.”

“I may not be old or very knowledgeable, but as the country is in a state of emergency, I want to contribute, even if it’s just a small effort,” she added.

Questions have now turned to what comes next, as Yoon faces a growing backlash from across the political spectrum, including within his own party.

There is growing pressure for him to resign. Protesters began marching through the city center on Wednesday night local time, calling for his arrest.

Six opposition parties presented a bill calling for the president’s impeachment. A vote in the National Assembly is expected on Friday (6) or Saturday (7).

Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party said it had begun formalizing plans to charge treason against the president, as well as the defense and interior ministers.

On Thursday (5), Yoon accepted the resignation of South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, following calls for him to be removed from office. South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, was named as his replacement.

Mi-rye, who traveled to Seoul to participate in the protests, said she will continue protesting until Yoon resigns.

⁠”While there was some relief after martial law was lifted, there is still concern that it could be declared again. That’s why I’m here,” he said.

This content was originally published in South Korea: For protesters, martial law is “reminder of threat to democracy” on the CNN Brasil website.

Source: CNN Brasil