South Korea’s democratic institutions held firm but society remains fractured

South Korea’s democratic institutions held firm but society remains fractured
December 4, 2025

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South Korea’s democratic institutions held firm but society remains fractured

One year after the crisis, interviews with citizens reveal emotional wounds of the martial law decree remain unhealed

South Koreans in Yeouido late Dec. 3, 2025: Pro-Yoon demonstrators are blocked by police personnel near the National Assembly (right) and demonstrators at a joint ruling Democratic Party and civic-led demonstration calling for “rooting out insurrection” (left) | Image: Korea Pro (Dec. 3, 2025)

On Wednesday night, South Koreans braved sub-zero temperatures outside the National Assembly to mark one year since former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law attempt.

On one side of the boulevard, lawmakers and citizens gathered for a joint rally by the Democratic Party (DP) and civic groups celebrating what they called the nation’s “democratic resilience.” Music, chants and calls to “root out insurrection” filled the square.

On Wednesday night, South Koreans braved sub-zero temperatures outside the National Assembly to mark one year since former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law attempt.

On one side of the boulevard, lawmakers and citizens gathered for a joint rally by the Democratic Party (DP) and civic groups celebrating what they called the nation’s “democratic resilience.” Music, chants and calls to “root out insurrection” filled the square.

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