Photography courtesy of Harley

At 10:30pm on 3 December 2024, then-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on live television, citing the need to protect the country from North Korean threats and eliminate anti-state forces. He claimed that these groups were a threat to the country’s freedom and were leading South Korea toward ruin. Through martial law, Yoon claimed he aimed to restore order and safeguard the nation’s constitutional system. 

Any social media algorithms even vaguely connected to South Korea were immediately overrun with real time reactions to the first declaration of martial law in South Korea since 1979.

Those in the capital city of Seoul could hear military helicopters circling overhead. Snippets from a live stream held by opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, wherein he films himself jumping over the National Assembly Building fence to cast his vote against the declaration of martial law, went viral. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the Democratic Party’s Deputy Spokesperson, confronted the soldiers outside the National Assembly by shouting and grabbing a soldier's firearm. 

Less than three hours after the declaration, the National Assembly unanimously voted to lift martial law. 

Seeing how quickly these events unfolded, I checked in with my Korean friends. Some wanted to flee the country, others were just wishing for an impeachment and a better future for South Korean politics.. My friend Harley said, “announcing a state of emergency late at night seemed like an abuse of power. As someone who had not agreed with Yoon Suk Yeol’s foreign and economic policies, this move made me completely lose trust in him as the leader of South Korea.” 

In the following days, Yoon’s legitimacy would be increasingly questioned. As matters quickly escalated, Harley joined thousands of protesting young Koreans who were calling for his impeachment. 

Many celebrities endorsed the protests, with some donating and others showing support for gathered fans. One notable example was singer IU and her record label, EDAM Entertainment, who purchased hot packs and food for participating fans.   

Despite the immense support for Yoon’s impeachment, Harley still occasionally encountered peers who were against it. Many feared that if another president faced impeachment, it would signal chronic political instability and potentially damage South Korea’s reputation on the global stage. Furthermore, others argued that even if Yoon were to be removed from office, there would not be enough competent candidates to take his place. To them, keeping him in power seemed like the lesser of two evils, as electing another unqualified leader would only waste national resources, time and money. The consensus among the anti-impeachment crowd was that rather than pushing for change without a clear alternative, the country should focus on mitigating repercussions on South Korea’s international perception, economic waste and social costs.

On 14 December 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly. Approximately two weeks later, a warrant was issued for this arrest. After a failed six-hour standoff, a successful arrest was made on 6 January. 

Following Yoon’s arrest, the country remained uncertain. While his suspension from duties was seen as a victory for many protesters, political divisions deepened and debates over the nation’s future leadership intensified.

Currently, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, has been appointed as South Korea’s interim leader. 

For Harley and many young Koreans, the impeachment was not just about one man, it was about the broader fight for more political accountability. Many viewed it as a turning point in the demand for greater transparency, ethical leadership and systemic reforms to prevent future abuses of power—especially since this marked the second time a South Korean president had been impeached for prioritizing personal interests over the people’s wellbeing. 

The impeachment of Yoon was not entirely unexpected given his dropping approval ratings over his past two years in office. After speaking with Harley, the declaration of martial law showcases just how politically engaged young South Koreans are becoming. This shift suggests that young Koreans are no longer just observers but have grown to become active participants in wanting better for their country.