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South Korea remains engulfed in political and public unrest following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. As reported by Sports Seoul on December 7, Oscar award-winning director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) and 2,518 filmmakers and actors have signed a petition demanding the removal of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Although the order was reversed within hours, the fallout has sparked widespread protests, legal investigations, and increasing calls for Yoon’s resignation.
In an official statement released on December 7, titled "Dismiss and arrest Yoon Seok-yeol, a criminal caught in the act of sedition! The Filmmakers Demanding Yoon Seok-yeol’s Resignation," the group stated:
"To the filmmakers of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Seok-yeol is no longer the president. He is merely a criminal caught in the act of sedition. Swiftly suspend Yoon Seok-yeol from his duties as president and dismiss and arrest him."
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The statement was signed on December 5, 2024, by 77 organizations and 2,518 filmmakers and actors, including Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, actors Kang Dong-won, Son Ye-jin, Jun Ji-hyun, and Moon So-ri. The group further stated:
"If impeachment is the fastest way, then we should choose impeachment, and if there is another way to remove him, then we should find the fastest way. The arrest and conviction of Yoon Suk-yeol and the martial law forces, including the Minister of National Defense, who were revealed to the world through a live broadcast to be criminals of sedition, is an obvious and non-negotiable procedure."
They issued a warning to the MPs of the People Power Party, who were allegedly fixated on using political engineering to restore dictatorship. Additionally, they stated that the only way South Korea can survive is by swiftly removing Yoon Seok-yeol from his presidential duties.
"The only way for South Korea to survive is to immediately stop Yoon Suk-yeol, who is the number one risk factor and the ringleader of the sedition that is beyond common sense and uncontrollable, from his duties as president."
Political unrest grips South Korea following President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration
President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law late on December 3, citing threats to national security and “anti-state activities” by opposition lawmakers. The decree allowed military deployment in the capital and restricted the National Assembly’s activities. This declaration marked the first use of martial law since South Korea’s democratization in 1987 and evoked a sense of unrest among citizens.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the opposition-controlled National Assembly quickly convened an emergency session, voting overwhelmingly to nullify the declaration. Martial law was lifted six hours later, on December 4, at 4:27 AM.
Protests erupted nationwide immediately after the announcement, with thousands of citizens, including college students, taking to the streets. Demonstrations have continued daily, with participants such as Seoul National University students holding candlelight vigils and banners demanding President Yoon Su-yeol’s resignation.
Outside the National Assembly in Seoul, protesters chanted slogans accusing the president of undermining democracy. South Koreans played aespa's Whiplash while protesting outside the building and demanded President Yoon Suk-yeol to step down.
As reported by Reuters, prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the events surrounding the martial law declaration. Key charges being explored include “insurrection,” which is not covered by presidential immunity and could result in severe legal consequences.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who oversaw military preparations under the order, has been dismissed and placed under a travel ban. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min and several high-ranking military officials are also under investigation for their roles in enforcing the decree.
The opposition party, led by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has accused President Yoon Suk-yeol of attempting an unconstitutional power grab, with some describing the martial law declaration as an attempted “coup.” Six opposition parties have filed a motion to impeach the president, which will be voted on in the National Assembly on December 7.
As per Al Jazeera, if the motion passes, President Yoon Suk-yeol will be suspended from office, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume interim leadership pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, on December 7, 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol publicly apologized for the turmoil caused by his martial law declaration. CNN reported that he spoke at a press briefing and expressed regret for causing "anxiety and inconvenience." He stated:
"This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs. I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked, and caused anxiety and inconvenience."
Despite his apology, President Yoon Suk-yeol rejected calls for his resignation, stating that he would continue to fulfill his duties as president. His conservative People Power Party has vowed to oppose the impeachment motion, further polarizing the political landscape.
Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly critical of President Yoon Suk-yeol, with approval ratings dropping to historic lows. A recent survey conducted by Gallup Korea found that over 71% of respondents believe the president should resign, with his popularity rating dropping to over 19%.
