Introduction
This is not the first time when South Korea has implemented martial law in the country. Before 2024, the democratic country had implemented martial law. This post will explain to you when in history and why South Korea has implemented martial law.
South Korea has implemented martial law under specific circumstances, primarily during political instability, civil unrest, or perceived threats to national security. Here are some key instances and reasons;
Korean War (1950-1953)
Martial law was declared during the Korean War to manage the war effort and maintain internal security as the country faced an existential threat from the North Korean invasion.
April Revolution (1960)
Martial law was declared in response to mass protests against the corrupt and authoritarian regime of President Syngman Rhee. The unrest led to Rhee’s resignation and the establishment a new government.
Military Coup (1961)
General Park Chung-hee declared martial law after leading a military coup on May 16, 1961. The coup was justified as a move to restore order and stability following perceived governmental inefficiency and corruption.
Yushin Constitution (1972)
President Park Chung-hee declared martial law to suppress opposition and implement the Yushin Constitution, which concentrated power in his hands and extended his presidency indefinitely.
Assassination of Park Chung-hee (1979)
After Park’s assassination, martial law was declared to prevent chaos and maintain order during the transition of power.
Gwangju Uprising (1980)
Following the military coup led by General Chun Doo-hwan in December 1979, martial law was expanded nationwide in 1980. This included shutting down universities, banning political activities, and censoring the press.
The declaration of martial law led to the Gwangju Uprising, where citizens protested against Chun’s authoritarian rule. The military’s brutal suppression of the protests resulted in significant casualties and remains a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratiz
End of Martial Law (1981)
Martial law ended after Chun Doo-hwan consolidated power and implemented a new constitution. However, his authoritarian regime faced growing demands for democratization, culminating in the June Democratic Uprising of 1987.
South Korea’s martial law history reflects its turbulent journey from authoritarian rule to becoming a robust democracy.