The wall gained attention after being climbed by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik during the “December 3 Martial Law Incident.” (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – A modest wall outside South Korea’s National Assembly has become a surprising symbol of political resistance and public solidarity following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14.
The wall gained attention after being climbed by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik during the “December 3 Martial Law Incident,” enabling him to convene an emergency session to overturn martial law.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik climbs over the wall of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the night of December 3, following the declaration of martial law. (Image provided by the Office of the Speaker.)
A New Landmark for Protesters
Following the impeachment vote, citizens walking near the National Assembly stopped to take photos and discuss the significance of the site, where a sign reads, “The wall Speaker Woo climbed to lift martial law.” Many described the wall as a “historic location” representing defiance during a national crisis.
“I came here with friends to take photos because this spot has become a newsworthy landmark,” said Park Chae-won, 23, holding a K-pop lightstick used during recent protests. “If Speaker Woo hadn’t climbed over that wall, martial law might not have been lifted, and we might not even be able to demonstrate today.”
Another visitor, a 31-year-old named Park, called it a symbol of democratic action. “This wall will be remembered as the place where Speaker Woo acted to prevent a national crisis. With the impeachment, it has gained even greater significance.”
Citizens taking commemorative photos at the wall climbed by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. (Yonhap)
A Moment of Defiance
On December 3, as martial law was declared and access to the National Assembly was restricted by police, Speaker Woo scaled the roughly one-meter-high wall to convene an emergency session. The Assembly subsequently passed a resolution demanding the end of martial law, which was lifted 155 minutes later.
The wall’s newfound status underscores its role in one of South Korea’s most turbulent political moments, turning a simple barrier into a site of collective memory and resistance.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
