In an unprecedented turn of events, military helicopters were seen flying over Yeouido, home to South Korea’s National Assembly, in the early hours of December 4. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea witnessed an unprecedented moment in its democratic history on December 4, as President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law and its subsequent annulment by the National Assembly were live-streamed and widely shared on social media, condensing 155 minutes of high-stakes political tension into a nationwide spectacle.
The rapid dissemination of photos, videos, and live broadcasts through platforms like YouTube and KakaoTalk provided citizens with unfiltered access to unfolding events.
Images of armed military personnel entering the National Assembly, helicopters hovering overhead, and lawmakers climbing fences to gain access captivated millions. The urgency of the moment prompted many citizens to rush to the scene, further amplifying the drama.
Soldiers prepare to enter the main hall of the National Assembly in Seoul in the wee hours of Dec. 4, 2024, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law, citing the need to root out pro-North Korean forces and uphold the constitutional order. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Key political figures embraced the digital age to share their perspectives. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s livestream of his dramatic fence climb into the Assembly attracted 2.38 million viewers.
Similarly, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik’s YouTube channel drew over 600,000 viewers as he presided over the emergency session to vote on lifting martial law. Woo, 67, also reportedly scaled the fence to enter the Assembly, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the evening.
Some observers credit this real-time transparency for preventing violence and ensuring a swift resolution. Before the Assembly’s vote to nullify the martial law, citizens physically blocked military forces from advancing further, delaying their progress and giving lawmakers critical time to deliberate.
Kim Baek-young, a sociology professor at Seoul National University, noted the stark contrast with South Korea’s last martial law episode 45 years ago, when state-controlled media restricted information.
“Back then, controlling the narrative was feasible. Today, with millions witnessing events live, it’s doubtful this martial law was even adequately prepared. Its rapid resolution owes much to the watchful eyes of the public,” Kim said.
The episode highlights the transformative role of social media in political crises, reshaping how authority, transparency, and public action intersect in real time.
Amid President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law, chaos unfolded in the early hours of December 4 as citizens opposing the decree and police forces clashed near the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul. (Yonhap)
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
