President Lee Jae-myung to Mark First Anniversary of Yoon Suk-yeol's Martial Law Declaration with National Address

President Lee to Address Nation on Martial Law Anniversary

Seoul, Republic of Korea – President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to deliver a national address on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, marking the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law. The presidential office announced that President Lee will use the occasion to reflect on the events of a year ago and emphasize the importance of addressing unresolved 'acts of insurrection' to prevent future threats to democracy.

The address is expected to commemorate the people's resistance against political injustice and promote 'K-democracy' on the international stage. Following his speech, President Lee will hold a press conference with approximately 80 foreign journalists under the theme 'A Renewed Democracy: One Year On.' He will also host a luncheon with the heads of the five branches of government, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, Constitutional Court chief Kim Sang-hwan, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and National Election Commission Chair Roh Tae-ak.

The December 2024 Martial Law Crisis

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, at 10:27 p.m. KST, during a televised address. He accused the opposition Democratic Party (DPK), which held a majority in the National Assembly, of 'anti-state activities' and collaborating with 'North Korean communists' to undermine the country, describing their dominance as a 'legislative dictatorship.' The declaration suspended political activities, including sessions of the National Assembly and local legislatures, and imposed restrictions on the press.

Reports indicated that Yoon ordered the arrest of several political opponents. Martial law troops attempted to enter the National Assembly building, with some airborne troops eventually breaking through glass windows to gain entry. However, the National Assembly swiftly convened an emergency session, and in the early hours of December 4, 2024, voted 190-0 to lift the martial law. Yoon subsequently lifted the decree after approximately six hours.

Aftermath and Political Repercussions

The martial law declaration triggered a significant political crisis. Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and suspended from office. He was later arrested on January 15, 2025. On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment, officially terminating his presidency. Yoon is currently facing criminal charges for insurrection, an offense that could carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.

Following Yoon's removal, a snap presidential election was held on June 3, 2025, which saw Lee Jae-myung elected as the new President.

President Lee's Stance on 'Acts of Insurrection'

President Lee Jae-myung has consistently emphasized the need to fully address the 'acts of insurrection' tied to last year's martial law attempt to prevent their recurrence. He recently stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the nation was 'on the brink of war' and that it was the 'people of the great Republic of Korea who prevented it.' Lee suggested that the martial law attempt involved ordering troops to send leaflets toward North Korea, preceding North Korea's dispersal of garbage balloons.

President Lee has also linked the punishment of insurrection to the encouragement of efficient governance, stating that 'overcoming insurrection and encouraging active administration are both necessary tasks.' His administration has initiated investigations into public officials' involvement in the December 3 emergency martial law, establishing a 'Constitution-Respecting Government Innovation Task Force (TF)' to this end.