Seoul: South Korea on Wednesday observed the first anniversary of the martial law imposed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as President Lee Jae Myung announced the establishment of December 3 as "National Sovereignty Day." This day is intended to commemorate the failed martial law attempt that thrust the nation into chaos a year ago.
According to Anadolu Agency, in a national address marking the anniversary of the short-lived martial law declaration, President Lee highlighted the significance of the peaceful resistance by South Korean citizens. He stated that by defeating an unjust power through non-violent means, the people of South Korea had demonstrated their worthiness for international recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Lee referred to the event as the "revolution of light," emphasizing the unprecedented nature of a coup being peacefully thwarted by unarmed citizens in a democratic nation.
President Lee further expressed that the Dec. 3 incident had inadvertently showcased the civic consciousness and resilience of South Korea's democracy to the world. He announced that the government, which emerged following the "revolution of light," would officially recognize December 3 as National Sovereignty Day to honor the courage displayed by its citizens. In a subsequent press conference, Lee confirmed plans to make it a public holiday.
Additionally, President Lee addressed the controversial issue of drones allegedly dispatched to North Korea by the previous administration to distribute anti-regime leaflets. He conveyed his intent to apologize to North Korea but acknowledged the difficulty of such a gesture given the current political climate. "On one side, I think we need to apologize, but on the other side, I worry that (an apology) could become an issue of political and ideological conflict, where the administration would be labeled pro-North Korea," he stated.
On the legislative front, the South Korean Unification Ministry announced that parliament had passed a law prohibiting the use of unmanned balloons to send propaganda leaflets across the border into North Korea. The ministry's statement noted, "With the revision of the Aviation Safety Act, the distribution of anti-North leaflets that has hindered inter-Korean relations and threatened safety and peace in border regions is likely to be stopped."
In a related development, a group of 25 lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party issued a public apology, describing the martial law imposition on December 3 as an "unconstitutional and undemocratic act." They expressed regret for their role as members of the then-ruling party in failing to prevent the martial law and causing public distress. The lawmakers also pledged to sever political ties with Yoon and others involved in the crisis.
Yoon's martial law, enacted on December 3 last year, was overturned by parliament within six hours. Subsequently, Yoon was impeached and removed from office. In January, he was arrested and charged with abuse of power and insurrection, becoming the first sitting president to be detained. Although released in March by court order, he was re-arrested in July and remains in custody. Yoon's impeachment was upheld by the National Assembly in December, and he faces charges of insurrection and abuse of authority related to the martial law decree.