Big Take The Six Hours of Martial Law That Stunned South Korea
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Dec 5, 2024 Sam Kim, a Bloomberg reporter based in Seoul, dives deep into South Korea's recent martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The surprise move was swiftly met with public backlash, leading to a rapid retraction. Kim highlights the historical significance and emotional turmoil that ensued, emphasizing the political crisis and consequences for U.S.-South Korea relations. He discusses how this upheaval affected financial markets and the potential for impeachment, as well as what it means for the country's evolving democracy and leadership stability.
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Martial Law in South Korea
- Hearing about martial law in South Korea felt surreal for Sam Kim, like something from a history book.
- The last instance was in 1980 after President Park Chung-hee's assassination, invoking images of bloody uprisings like Gwangju.
On-the-Ground Chaos
- After the declaration, there was chaos, with helicopters flying over the National Assembly building.
- Protesters gathered outside, holding banners critical of President Yoon.
Martial Law Restrictions
- Yoon's martial law order banned political activities, rallies, and controlled media publications.
- This stifled freedoms South Koreans have enjoyed for decades since becoming a democracy.