Chulhyun Joo Honored with '12·3 Special Award for the Protection of Democratic Constitutional Order' for Standing Against Illegal Martial Law

Played a Key Role in Blocking Martial Law as a Top Democratic Party Leader
Recalls Tearing His Pants While Climbing Over the National Assembly Wall During the Struggle

Chulhyun Joo, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea (Yeosu-si Gap), was selected as a recipient in the lawmaker category at the "12·3 Special Award for the Protection of Democratic Constitutional Order" ceremony held at the Press Center in Gwanghwamun on December 2.

The 12·3 Special Award for the Protection of Democratic Constitutional Order is presented by the Korea Internet Journalists Association and a 123-member citizens' committee to individuals who have contributed to safeguarding the democratic constitutional order, marking the first anniversary of the illegal martial law incident. At the ceremony, Chulhyun Joo, who was the highest-ranking lawmaker in the Democratic Party of Korea at the time, received the award alongside lawmakers Park Chan-dae, Lim Oh-kyung, Park Jeong-hyun, and others.

Chulhyun Joo, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

During the illegal martial law incident on December 3 last year, Assemblyman Joo played a key role as a top member of the Democratic Party of Korea, overseeing the party leadership's response. He recalled that while he was handling important duties in his Yeosu constituency that afternoon, his local aide, unlike usual, strongly urged him, saying, "It would be best for you to head to Seoul early today."

He had originally planned to travel by KTX at 8:30 p.m., but despite having additional scheduled commitments, he immediately canceled them, refunded his ticket, and hurriedly boarded a 7:30 p.m. flight to Seoul. He said, "At the time, I didn't know the reason, but I had a strange feeling that lingered with me."

Immediately after arriving in Seoul, as martial law was suddenly declared, he rushed to the National Assembly without hesitation. Although entry to the main building was blocked and his pants were torn as he climbed over a wall to get inside, Assemblyman Joo did not stop his response efforts.

Inside the National Assembly, he activated the party leadership's emergency response network to monitor the martial law situation in real time, and meticulously coordinated the response system by sharing the location and status of each lawmaker through a Telegram emergency channel. He explained, "On that day, Telegram was, in effect, the last lifeline of democracy."

Afterwards, Assemblyman Joo continued to play a central role in defending the democratic constitutional order by actively participating in actions to restore democracy, such as relay protests in front of the Constitutional Court, condemnation rallies in the National Assembly's Rotunda Hall, press conferences calling for impeachment, and solo protests in Gwanghwamun.

Assemblyman Joo stated, "This award is not for me personally, but for the citizens and fellow lawmakers who defended democracy in a moment of crisis," adding, "I am proud to have been part of the process to end the rebellion, and I will continue to firmly oppose any attempts to destroy the constitutional order."