"Constantly Checking the News Due to Martial Law Anxiety"... Citizens Reunited One Year After That Day [12·3 Martial Law, One Year On]

Martial law declared for the first time in 45 years-one year later, the citizens who gathered still vividly remember that day. In front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, where the chants, footsteps, the clanging of cold steel pipes, and the blaring of police loudspeakers from a year ago seem to still echo. On the day of the unbelievable announcement of martial law, citizens gathered here, their faces betraying the realization that something fundamental had fractured.

As President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 4th, urging the lifting of martial law. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

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Throughout the streets, traces of memories left by the citizens who stood there on that day lingered. Some said their hearts still race when recalling those moments, while others, though now more composed, admitted that a small crack remains in a corner of their hearts.

Jung Suin (31), an office worker living in Mapo-gu, Seoul, learned of the martial law declaration while watching her favorite YouTube channel after returning home from work. Upon hearing the news, she immediately decided to head to the National Assembly and boarded a bus. Her parents in Busan tried to dissuade her, saying it was dangerous, but after asking her younger sister, who lives with her, to keep it a secret from their parents, she set out for the National Assembly.

Jung Suin (31), who participated in the rally held at Songhyeon Green Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul on March 11. Photo provided by the individual

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Even after martial law was lifted, she suffered from what she called "martial law anxiety" for several days, struggling to sleep and constantly checking the news. Although the situation had been resolved, those involved remained, and she feared martial law could be declared again. She recalled, "The police officers and soldiers were probably just following orders from above, but I can't forget the eyes of the officer staring at me from behind his mask that day."

For Jung, martial law remains an ongoing reality. One year after the emergency martial law, she worries about the "lack of empathy." She said, "The biggest problem is that not everyone agrees that martial law was wrong. For our community to unite, we must clearly address what needs to be resolved, but it's unfortunate that political confrontation continues to repeat over martial law."

Heeyoon Choi (37), who arrived at the National Assembly around midnight that day, said, "People were chanting for the abolition of martial law, and I saw special forces soldiers with guns climbing over the fence. I couldn't believe it was real. In that moment, I felt a wave of fear, realizing that if the state decides, it can stand above its citizens in an instant."

Mr. Heeyoon Choi, who ran to the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul during the December 12-3 emergency martial law. Photo provided by the subject

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Choi recalled the "National Anthem outside the Assembly fence" as the most vivid scene from that day. "Citizens were singing the national anthem outside the fence. I had read 'The Boy Is Coming' before martial law, and the description of Gwangju citizens singing the anthem in that situation came to mind. There was a physical barrier between inside and outside the fence, but I felt we shared the same heart, and I was overwhelmed with emotion," he said.

He argued that the very fact people say, "Martial law was justified," is proof that our society is still not safe. "It's even scarier that such statements are made lightly in private conversations," he said. "If people with those beliefs gain political power, martial law could happen again at any time."

He added, "Just as a generation that didn't know the martial law of 1980 could understand its weight through records, this experience must also be preserved. That's why I decided to leave a record as a witness. If something similar happens again, I think I would go out again."

On the day of the December 3 emergency martial law, Jeong Seungyun (25), a student majoring in North Korean Studies at Dongguk University, visited the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, to participate in the rally. Provided by the individual

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Jeong Seungyun (25), a student majoring in North Korean Studies at Dongguk University, responded to a question about changes over the past year by saying, "The 'martial law invoice' still remains, and the costs our society must bear are only beginning. The trials are ongoing, but there have been no definitive results yet. What people want most is a clear punishment and resolution for those responsible for martial law."

After the emergency martial law, Jeong went to the square instead of the library. He had returned to school aiming for a merit-based scholarship, but couldn't just sit at his desk. "Seeing so many citizens gather in the square after martial law, I felt a sense of solidarity. I was especially moved to see people with disabilities and sexual minorities rush to the front lines, and I felt a deep sense of indebtedness," he said.

When asked what he would do if martial law were declared again in the distant future, Jeong replied, "Without hesitation, I would go out to the scene again. I might be afraid of being arrested, but to become a parent I am not ashamed of in the future, I believe it is right to stand up against injustice to the end."

On the 27th of last month, attorney Hyunhee Oh (49) is sharing her thoughts on the day of martial law at the Min Law Firm office in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by the individual

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Attorney Oh Hyunhee, who visited the scene as a legal professional, remembers that day as a moment that shook her faith in the democratic system, which she had never before doubted. "It was the moment I witnessed that democracy can be shaken by a single person and that there are holes and gaps through which it can collapse in an instant," she recalled.

At the same time, Oh said she could feel the solidarity among citizens firsthand. Recalling the citizens who stayed in front of the National Assembly until dawn, she said, "It was deeply impressive to see people running out for democracy, sitting in front of armored vehicles, and blocking them with their bodies, determined to protect democracy even at the risk of their lives."

She added, "I used to think of politics and daily life as separate, but I came to a deep realization that it is up to us to protect our community and democracy. Even if I'm busy, I can pause my work and join a protest, and this experience gave me confidence in our community's resilience and ability to correct wrongs."

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