South Korea's Democracy Defends Itself Against a Midnight Coup Attempt
2025-01-24
President Yoon Suk-yeol's surprise midnight declaration of martial law in South Korea was swiftly met with a powerful response from legislators and civil society. This near-coup attempt was thwarted within hours, highlighting the resilience of South Korean democracy. Decades of struggle against authoritarian rule have fostered a deeply networked society with strong civic engagement and near-universal digital connectivity. While political polarization remains a concern, the rapid mobilization against the attempted power grab underscores the strength of South Korea's democratic institutions and its citizens' commitment to defending them.