The Global Story Democracy in crisis in South Korea
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Dec 5, 2024 Jake Kwon, a senior journalist at the BBC's Seoul bureau, and Su-Min Hwang, former head of the BBC's Korean Language Service, delve into South Korea's tumultuous political landscape. They discuss President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law declaration and its implications for democracy. Historical context reveals a nation with a legacy of coups and struggles for freedom. Through grassroots movements and significant uprisings, South Korea's path from dictatorship to democracy is examined, highlighting both challenges and hopeful prospects for its future.
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Martial Law Declaration
- Jake Kwon first learned about the martial law declaration through a breaking news notification.
- Initially skeptical, he confirmed the news via live broadcasts of President Yoon's speech.
Generational Divide in Fear
- Kwon's father, having lived through South Korea's oppressive military era, expressed concern for his son's safety.
- This contrasted with Kwon's generation, which had no experience of pre-democratization times.
Understanding Martial Law
- After the declaration, Kwon researched martial law's implications, including the suspension of protest and expression rights.
- He found some reassurance in the legal provision allowing lawmakers to overturn it with a vote.