Martial Law in South Korea: Reflections on Historical Trauma and Resistance

As South Korea grapples with a return to martial law, many citizens are reminded of the traumatic events from 40 years ago, particularly the Gwangju uprising and subsequent military crackdown. Lawmaker Chung Chin-ook, recalling his own experiences as a teenager during that dark time, voiced the fear and desperation resonating among lawmakers and citizens alike. With a unanimous vote against President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law, assembly members expressed determination to prevent history from repeating itself.

In the early hours of December 4, 2024, Chung and others defied armed forces to challenge the imposition of martial law. Lee Jae-eui, a Gwangju resident who faced imprisonment for protesting during earlier martial law, felt an unsettling déjà vu as military maneuvers unfolded outside the National Assembly. He and others argue that a collective memory of oppression underlines their resistance today, emphasizing the belief that South Koreans will not allow such actions to recur in their lifetimes.

The widespread anxiety underscored underlines South Korea's struggle with preserving democracy, with many citizens actively resisting perceived authoritarianism in a nation that has fought hard for democratic freedoms.

Chung and Lee's testimonies reveal an urgent emotional landscape across South Korea, where many have vowed to protect their hard-won liberties against the shadow of history.