In brief
In a chaotic twist, President Yoon's martial law declaration triggers mass protests and reveals military confusion.
Protests erupted in Seoul on Thursday night, as thousands gathered in response to President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law. This was a shocking move, reminiscent of South Korea's troubled past, and it caught the military off guard. General Park An-su, the Army chief of staff, faced tough questions during a parliamentary hearing, revealing that the military was unprepared for such an unprecedented action."I only found out when it was announced on TV," he said, explaining that he hadn’t even read the associated orders before having to sign them. His testimony painted a picture of a military caught in chaos, with no clear plan for enforcement. The martial law decree, which banned public gatherings and controlled media, was reversed by President Yoon after just six hours in response to the widespread protests.The public's anger reflects deeper concerns about the military's capacity and readiness to handle sensitive political issues in modern South Korea, as they struggle to shed the legacy of past oppressive regimes. This event has raised critical questions about governance and civil liberties in the country.
