SEOUL: South Korea’s ousted leader Yoon Suk Yeol issued a call from prison on Wednesday urging his supporters to rally for “freedom” and defending his decision to declare martial law a year ago.
On December 3, 2024, Yoon suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.
A year later, the country remains politically polarised as it faces a slowing economy and an ageing population, as well as the lingering threat from North Korea.
Thousands of people joined a rally on Wednesday near the National Assembly in Seoul, where one year ago lawmakers defied soldiers to vote down the martial law bid within hours of the announcement.
A march by supporters of the former leader drew several hundreds.
In a statement sent by his lawyers, Yoon called on followers to “rise again in defence of the Republic of Korea’s freedom”.
“This country belongs to you, the sovereign people,” he said.
He also said his decision last year to declare martial law had been justified in the fight against “pro-China, pro-North Korea, and traitorous activities”.
And he condemned successor Lee Jae Myung as presiding over an “unjust and corrupt dictatorship”.
Yoon is on trial for insurrection and other offences linked to his martial law declaration, and could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Lee, who was swept into office six months after the disastrous martial law bid, issued his own statement to the country to mark the anniversary.
He said South Korea had “overcome an unprecedented crisis of democracy in world history through peaceful protest”.
Speaking to foreign media, he touted the benefits of “K-democracy” in removing Yoon from office — but admitted the country remained deeply divided.
“National unity is my priority,” he said.
Thousands of anti-Yoon protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly, braving sub-zero temperatures.
President Lee had been expected to attend, but his office said he was forced to cancel over “security risks”.
Demonstrators held signs reading “Root out the perpetrators of insurrection”.
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