South Korea marked a tense anniversary on Wednesday as President Lee reflected on the dramatic events of December last year, when an attempt to impose martial law was halted amid overwhelming public resistance. Speaking at a ceremony in Seoul, the president said the country is “still working through the unfinished tasks” left behind by the crisis.
President Lee praised citizens for their decisive role during the confrontation, saying ordinary South Koreans acted as “the strongest guardians of democracy.” He went so far as to suggest that the collective effort of the Korean people was worthy of international recognition, noting that their calm defiance “prevented a national tragedy.”
The near-imposition of martial law in 2024 sparked weeks of demonstrations, political turmoil, and intense public debate about the future of the nation’s democratic system. The incident became a turning point that energized civic groups and renewed discussions about constitutional safeguards.
Although President Lee mentioned an ongoing “clean-up,” he did not detail what steps remain or which institutions are still under review. Analysts note that investigations, legislative revisions, and internal audits have continued quietly throughout the year.
The anniversary has revived conversations about how close South Korea came to a constitutional crisis and how much work remains to restore full public trust. While the president’s remarks included praise for citizens, there have been no indications from the Nobel Committee regarding any potential nomination for a peace prize.
The moment served as both a remembrance and a reminder: the struggle to protect democratic norms, many say, is not confined to history but an ongoing responsibility shared across the nation.
