Who is Ahn Gwi-Ryeong? Democratic Party of Korea’s spokesperson goes viral for confronting armed soldier amid South Korea’s martial law

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law, citing threats from North Korea and accusations of anti-state activities by opposition lawmakers.

The opposition won a strong victory in South Korea's recent National Assembly elections. Tensions have risen between Yoon Suk-Yeol's conservative People Power Party and the liberal Democratic Party (Ahn Gwi-Ryeong's party) over the next year's budget.

In response to the opposition's push to impeach three senior prosecutors, Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law. This led to resistance from opposition parties in the National Assembly, who also called for investigations into alleged corruption involving Yoon Suk-Yeol and his administration.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea’s spokesperson, Ahn Gwi-Ryeong (Ann Gwi-Ryeong as per her Instagram), went viral online for going against a soldier. In the clip, Ahn Gwi-Ryeong held onto the gun of the soldier and tried to wrestle it away from him.

For the unversed, Ahn Gwi-Ryeong is the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Dobong-gu Gap region. The 35-year-old politician started her career as a Korean fishing broadcast announcer and then moved up to a news announcer for the South Korean broadcast network, YTN.

On November 25, 2024, YTN reported that she was fined 700K during the 22nd general election campaign for using loudspeakers and disrupting peace. The Seoul Northern District Court also pointed out that she allegedly used fraudulent ways to win election campaigns. However, her latest bravado against armed soldiers has increased her public appeal.

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Why did President Yoon Suk-Yeol call for martial law across South Korea?

On December 3, 2024, in his address, President Yoon Suk-Yeol stated that the decision was necessary to “protect the Republic of Korea” from pro-North Korean elements that were undermining national security.

He accused opposition lawmakers, who hold a legislative majority, of attempting to “paralyze” the government. However, details of the martial law’s implementation, including its scope and timeline, were unclear. Furthermore, all K-pop year-end award ceremonies were shelved due to the sudden nationwide unrest.

The Indian Express reported that the goal of martial law was to impose military control over South Korea in place of the country's civilian government. Additionally, it halted civilian judicial proceedings in favor of military ones and normal civil freedoms were suspended.

The opposition Democratic Party condemned the declaration as a "power grab." They convened an emergency session in parliament. Approximately 190 out of 300 lawmakers voted unanimously to annul the martial law decree, arguing that it was unconstitutional. While South Korea’s constitution allows martial law in cases of severe national emergency, its enforcement requires legislative approval.

Despite the parliamentary vote, the military, under President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s command, indicated it would maintain martial law until the president rescinded it. This led to tense standoffs for over six hours, with police blocking public demonstrations and opposition leaders accusing the government of overstepping its authority.

Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators overflowed the streets and engaged in combat with security personnel outside Seoul's Parliament. Tanks, armored cars, and martial command troops were momentarily mobilized. Viral clips also showed South Korean citizens helping lawmakers and politicians to jump off the barricades and enter the Parliament.

Due to the immense protest, President Yoon Suk-Yeol had to call off martial law at 4.30 AM (KST) early morning on December 4, 2024.

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The situation has increased political instability in South Korea. While the country has a history of martial law, such measures have been rare since it transitioned to democracy. As protests grow and the economy suffers, South Korea's democratic stability is at risk. Opposition leaders are calling for President Yoon Suk-Yeol's resignation and international attention, but his administration claims the martial law measures are temporary.