[Reporter’s Notebook] This Is Not a Mere Incident but a Grave Situation

"Is this really happening?" "I can't do anything." "It's so shocking and frightening." "Are we not allowed to go outside?"...

On the night of the 3rd, upon hearing the news of President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law, the public was thrown into a state of panic. Many people were unable to sleep and were trembling with worry and fear. In fact, armed forces entered the National Assembly and the building was sealed off in an unprecedented incident. The scenes that unfolded at the Korean National Assembly that day were broadcast live on YouTube and shared worldwide.

Among the footage was a shocking scene where members of the National Assembly were denied entry. The fact that the Speaker of the National Assembly had no choice but to climb over the assembly wall symbolically revealed the urgent and serious reality of that day. Speaker Woo Won-sik recalled, "As a five-term member of the National Assembly, the first time I ever climbed over the assembly wall was at 10:58 p.m.," adding, "Immediately after the martial law was declared, I left the Speaker's official residence and rushed to the National Assembly, but the entrance was blocked by the police."

Hundreds of citizens rushed to the National Assembly as soon as they heard the declaration of martial law. They confronted the martial law troops and police, buying time until a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law was passed. Citizens pleaded with the martial law forces, saying, "Do not participate in illegality" and "Go back." By midnight, around 4,000 citizens (according to unofficial police estimates) gathered around the National Assembly, chanting slogans demanding the abolition of martial law.

Major foreign media outlets described the declaration of martial law on the 3rd as a political drama unfolding overnight. It is fortunate that the declaration and lifting of martial law were completed in the shortest possible time. However, the problem lies ahead. Is the political circle fully aware of the gravity of this situation?

"I understand the sincerity, but it was a reckless midnight incident. I regret that there was no other way. I hope it will be properly handled."

This was what Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo said after President Yoon Seok-yeol's martial law declaration ended after about six hours. His statement was clearly wrong. This incident is not a mere incident but one of the most serious moments in South Korean democracy.

The Seoul National University Student Council stated, "The declaration of martial law tramples on the free democratic constitutional order of the Republic of Korea," and "We will willingly resist and overthrow injustice." The Yonsei University Student Council criticized, "President Yoon declared martial law without meeting any of the necessary conditions. This is an unconstitutional outrage and an absolutely unacceptable measure."

Our democracy, once a global model of mature democracy, is once again at a critical crossroads. It is inevitable to hold President Yoon politically and legally accountable. The situation must be resolved in a way that meets the expectations of the people. It is time to once again engrave in our hearts Article 1 of the Constitution: 'The sovereignty of the Republic of Korea resides in the people, and all state authority emanates from the people.'