Everyone ignores this good news about democracy
Vox
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Korea’s recent political drama has showcased an extraordinary display of democratic resilience. In December 2024, former President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to impose martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect the country from North Korean threats. However, his plan unraveled quickly as thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament and lawmakers inside voted unanimously to reject the declaration. This dramatic showdown culminated in Yoon’s impeachment and imprisonment, marking a significant victory for South Korea’s young democracy.
Yoon, who rose to power in 2022 on anti-corruption sentiment, struggled during his presidency. His popularity waned due to low approval ratings and controversial remarks about South Korea’s past military dictatorship. When he declared martial law, citizens saw it as an overt attempt to consolidate power, not protect the nation. The country’s rich history of activism, rooted in the 1987 pro-democracy movement, played a crucial role in mobilizing ordinary Koreans to resist.
Scholars highlight how civic awareness and mass action were key to overcoming Yoon’s authoritarian gambit. Protesters physically blocked military vehicles, while lawmakers creatively bypassed police barriers to vote down the martial law. This collective effort demonstrated that even in deeply polarized societies, citizens can unite against clear threats to democracy.
The episode challenges conventional theories about democratic resilience, which often focus on structural factors like polarization or institutional design. South Korea’s example shows that public perception and citizen action are equally vital in defending民主values. When people believe their freedoms are under threat, they are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect them.
For anyone interested in politics, this story underscores the importance of fostering civic engagement and transparency. The survival of democracy may depend not just on institutions, but on how ordinary citizens perceive and respond to threats. South Korea’s experience offers a powerful reminder that grassroots resistance can be a democracy’s greatest defender.
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Originally published on Vox on 2/26/2026