'Is this happening in 2024?' South Koreans in panic, disbelief

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, first since end of military rule in 80s, provokes panic among citizens

National Assembly barricaded with cars as President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law. (The Korea Herald)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday night, sending shock waves through the nation.

Made near at 10:25 p.m., the announcement has left citizens and experts alike scrambling to understand its implications.

According to South Korea’s Constitution and the Martial Law Act, emergency martial law can be declared during wartime, in cases of a major national emergency akin to war, or when public order is severely disrupted, rendering administrative and judicial functions significantly impaired.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing a martial law declaration in my lifetime,” said 30-year-old Bae, echoing the sentiments of many who are witnessing such an event for the first time.

The financial markets have responded with panic, exacerbating the public’s distress. Korean stocks and the Korean won have plummeted, while the price of Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin jumped.

“Should I go to work tomorrow? Is everything shut down?” one resident wrote on social media, expressing a common concern as many grapple with uncertainty about their daily routines.

A person watches the TV screen as President Yoon Suk Yeol declares emergency martial law in a televised national address on Tuesday evening. (Yonhap)

Most citizens are voicing disbelief and shock, with comments such as, “I never thought I’d live to see something like this happen in South Korea.” The pervasive lack of clarity from government officials is further fueling speculation and anxiety.

The panic is also palpable on social media platforms, including X. Following the declaration, trending keywords in South Korea are "martial law," with around 280,000 posts, and "revoked martial law" with 31,000 posts, as of 11:40 p.m. Tuesday.

The posts with the hashtag "martial law" feature photos of news broadcasts, images of newspaper articles and shots of police and military personnel blocking the entrance to the National Assembly.

X user @andkeeeeep posted a video clip of police in front of the National Assembly, questioning: “So this is happening in December 2024?”

In an online community of mothers on Naver, one user wrote, “I can’t believe what I just watched on TV. Isn’t this the kind of measure used during the Chun Doo-hwan administration?” Chun Doo-hwan served as South Korea's president from 1980 to 1988, following his rise to power through a military coup.

“I was so surprised. The nation is a mess now,” one comment read. “Isn’t this something a president orders only in times of war?” another asked.

On Blind, a workplace community for verified employees, some users expressed concern about the stock market. “It’s going to crash really big tomorrow,” one user posted.

In another post, a user questioned whether the president’s actions align with the principles of democracy. Another user remarked, “This seems like his last-ditch effort.”

By Choi Jeong-yoon(jychoi@heraldcorp.com)

No Kyung-min(minmin@heraldcorp.com)