Yoon Suk Yeol: How South Korea's democracy rallied after martial law order
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to life in prison for his failed insurrection attempt after he declared martial law in December 2024. The swift downfall of Yoon and the resilience of South Korea's democratic institutions highlight a rare example of a nation standing firm against authoritarianism. Within just six hours of Yoon's declaration, citizens took to the streets, lawmakers voted down the martial law decree, and the military ultimately refused to support the president's unconstitutional actions. This decisive response by South Koreans—both civilians and institutions—demonstrates the strength of democratic safeguards in action.
Yoon's attempt to seize power began on December 4, 2024, when he appeared on television announcing martial law and deploying troops to suppress dissent. His justification, claiming "anti-state forces" had infiltrated the country, was met with immediate defiance. By midnight, thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, defying Yoon's ban on political activity. Lawmakers, fearing a coup, rushed to the assembly building to vote against the decree. Despite being surrounded by armed soldiers and a chaotic security situation, they successfully blocked Yoon's plan through unity and resolve.
The rapid collapse of Yoon's insurrection was further aided by the refusal of South Korea's military to fully support his actions. As the night unfolded, helicopters carrying special forces troops landed on the National Assembly lawn, but their presence only added to the tension rather than enforcing Yoon's authority. By 1:00 a.m., lawmakers had unanimously rejected the martial law bid, and within three hours, Yoon had withdrawn his declaration. The public's outrage continued, leading to his impeachment just ten days later on December 14 and his arrest on January 3 after two weeks of confinement in the presidential residence.
This pivotal moment in South Korean history underscores the importance of citizen engagement and institutional integrity in preserving democracy. Experts like Gi-Wook Shin of Stanford University note that Yoon's downfall is a testament to how democratic systems can activate their constitutional defenses when tested. The case also serves as a stark contrast to global trends of rising authoritarianism, offering hope that even in uncertain times, democracies can endure if people and institutions remain vigilant.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026