An Old Image of Protests Against the South Korean President, Not Linked To Martial Law

Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading. The image dates back to last November and does not depict South Koreans protesting martial law.

Protests in Seoul Against President Yoon Suk Yeol

The circulating image captures tens of thousands of South Koreans gathered in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, for a large-scale candlelight protest on November 23. The demonstration was held in opposition to government policies and actions, with protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's resignation and chanting slogans such as "We reject Yoon Suk Yeol."

Protests in South Korea Following the Imposition of Martial Law

The claim began circulating after South Korea witnessed protests outside Parliament on Tuesday, December 3, following President Yoon's announcement of martial law.

In a televised address, President Yoon stated that martial law aimed to eliminate pro-North Korea forces and preserve freedom and constitutional order.

The Parliament building was closed after martial law was imposed, with helicopters landing on its roof. South Korea’s army chief, General Park An-Soo, took charge of enforcing martial law and issued a decree banning all political activities.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Parliament voted against the imposition of martial law, with 190 out of 300 members present. The Speaker of Parliament declared the martial law declaration "invalid" and urged citizens to gather outside Parliament to protest.

South Korea’s President Reverses Martial Law Decision

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reversed his decision to impose martial law late yesterday and ordered the withdrawal of the military deployed to enforce it. He declared his commitment to comply with Parliament's decision, which voted to revoke the measure.

Moreover, in a televised address, President Yoon stated, "The National Assembly requested the lifting of the state of emergency. We have withdrawn the military deployed to enforce martial law. We will accept the National Assembly's request and lift martial law."

South Korean Opposition to Sue President for “Rebellion”

South Korea's main opposition party announced on Wednesday, December 4, that it would file a lawsuit against President Yoon Suk-yeol and several senior security aides on charges of "rebellion" for the imposition of martial law, a measure swiftly rejected by Parliament.

In a statement, the Democratic Party declared, "We will file a lawsuit for rebellion" against the president, the ministers of defense and interior, and key figures in the military and police involved in declaring martial law. The opposition also intends to seek the president's removal through parliamentary impeachment.

Several senior aides to President Yoon Suk-yeol resigned collectively on Wednesday following the failure of his attempt to impose martial law, according to Yonhap News Agency.

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