South Korean democracy holds firm against Yoon’s martial law bid
By AFP
December 15, 2024
South Korea's swift rebuke of martial law and impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office showcased the strength of the country's institutions - Copyright AFP Jung Yeon-je
South Korea’s swift rebuke of martial law and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office have been hailed in the country as evidence of the strength of its young democratic institutions.
Yoon’s bid to suspend civilian rule and claims of a communist conspiracy harkened back to the dark days of dictatorship in South Korea four decades ago, when human rights abuses by military and security forces were widespread.
But the fallout from the failed attempt was immediate and South Korea’s institutions kicked in — Yoon’s inner circle were swiftly placed under police investigation and hauled before a parliament demanding answers.
Lawmakers rapidly launched impeachment proceedings against Yoon for his alleged “insurrection” and attempt to override the country’s democratic constitution.
And on Saturday he was removed by a secret ballot in a tense vote in the ornate parliamentary chamber.
The vote sparked wild jubilation on the streets of Seoul — opinion polls suggested more than 75 percent of the public supported impeachment.
“This situation has provided the Korean people with an invaluable lesson on what democracy truly entails and how our democratic republic can be protected,” lawyer Yun Bok-nam, president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, told AFP.
“For the people this has been a transforming experience in building a more powerful democratic consciousness among them.”
– Red line drawn –
Bordering isolated, totalitarian North Korea and separated by a strip of sea from vast and authoritarian China, South Korea has for years been a posterchild for boisterous, democratic rule in East Asia.
Forged in the chaos and bloodshed of the 1980s anti-dictatorship movement — from which many of the country’s current crop of politicians emerged — South Koreans have long sought to challenge their leaders in raucous street protests and vibrant displays of dissent.
And its strong rebuke of authoritarian rule this week again saw it buck a global trend towards autocratic politics, from the re-election this year of Donald Trump in the United States to a surge in right-wing populism in Europe.
That trend has seen UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warn that democratic values are “under assault” globally — pointing to rising attacks and restrictions on media and human rights defenders.
But for many South Koreans, there was never any doubt that the country would turn back the clock.
“What we have witnessed over the past two weeks is a testament to the fact that it is now impossible to regress the country to its authoritarian past,” said Bae Kang-hoon, co-founder of political think tank Valid.
“There is a red line drawn in the minds of the Korean people: that the country should never regress back to military rule,” Bae told AFP.
“Yoon’s martial law proclamation clearly crossed that line for many.”
– Reform needed –
Should the Constitutional Court remove him from power, Yoon will gain the ignominious distinction of being only the second South Korean president to have been impeached.
Fellow conservative Park Geun-hye — who Yoon, as chief prosecutor, played a key role in removing — was also impeached under very similar circumstances.
But in the wake of that impeachment, South Korea “failed” to ensure the popular momentum that brought down Park translated into real change, Kim Jeong-min of analysis service Korea Pro told AFP.
“For this popular will to translate into better government will require a wholesale review of the constitution and the system,” she said.
And Lim Ji-bong, constitutional law professor at Sogang University, stressed that “too much power” has been concentrated in the presidency.
Reforms could see the country “weaken the so-called ‘imperial presidency’ by getting rid of many of the president’s powers and investing them in the legislature”, he suggested.
Yoon has remained defiant throughout the turmoil that followed his martial law declaration.
He doubled down Thursday on allegations that “anti-state” forces were seeking to undermine South Korea’s national security and electoral system.
“Yoon’s speech was basically him sending out the impeachment invitation letter… like: ‘Please impeach me’,” Kang Won-taek, political science professor at Seoul National University, said.
“When the president said those things, it convinced lawmakers that he needed to be impeached.”
By AFP
December 15, 2024
South Korea's swift rebuke of martial law and impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office showcased the strength of the country's institutions - Copyright AFP Jung Yeon-je
South Korea’s swift rebuke of martial law and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office have been hailed in the country as evidence of the strength of its young democratic institutions.
Yoon’s bid to suspend civilian rule and claims of a communist conspiracy harkened back to the dark days of dictatorship in South Korea four decades ago, when human rights abuses by military and security forces were widespread.
But the fallout from the failed attempt was immediate and South Korea’s institutions kicked in — Yoon’s inner circle were swiftly placed under police investigation and hauled before a parliament demanding answers.
Lawmakers rapidly launched impeachment proceedings against Yoon for his alleged “insurrection” and attempt to override the country’s democratic constitution.
And on Saturday he was removed by a secret ballot in a tense vote in the ornate parliamentary chamber.
The vote sparked wild jubilation on the streets of Seoul — opinion polls suggested more than 75 percent of the public supported impeachment.
“This situation has provided the Korean people with an invaluable lesson on what democracy truly entails and how our democratic republic can be protected,” lawyer Yun Bok-nam, president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, told AFP.
“For the people this has been a transforming experience in building a more powerful democratic consciousness among them.”
– Red line drawn –
Bordering isolated, totalitarian North Korea and separated by a strip of sea from vast and authoritarian China, South Korea has for years been a posterchild for boisterous, democratic rule in East Asia.
Forged in the chaos and bloodshed of the 1980s anti-dictatorship movement — from which many of the country’s current crop of politicians emerged — South Koreans have long sought to challenge their leaders in raucous street protests and vibrant displays of dissent.
And its strong rebuke of authoritarian rule this week again saw it buck a global trend towards autocratic politics, from the re-election this year of Donald Trump in the United States to a surge in right-wing populism in Europe.
That trend has seen UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warn that democratic values are “under assault” globally — pointing to rising attacks and restrictions on media and human rights defenders.
But for many South Koreans, there was never any doubt that the country would turn back the clock.
“What we have witnessed over the past two weeks is a testament to the fact that it is now impossible to regress the country to its authoritarian past,” said Bae Kang-hoon, co-founder of political think tank Valid.
“There is a red line drawn in the minds of the Korean people: that the country should never regress back to military rule,” Bae told AFP.
“Yoon’s martial law proclamation clearly crossed that line for many.”
– Reform needed –
Should the Constitutional Court remove him from power, Yoon will gain the ignominious distinction of being only the second South Korean president to have been impeached.
Fellow conservative Park Geun-hye — who Yoon, as chief prosecutor, played a key role in removing — was also impeached under very similar circumstances.
But in the wake of that impeachment, South Korea “failed” to ensure the popular momentum that brought down Park translated into real change, Kim Jeong-min of analysis service Korea Pro told AFP.
“For this popular will to translate into better government will require a wholesale review of the constitution and the system,” she said.
And Lim Ji-bong, constitutional law professor at Sogang University, stressed that “too much power” has been concentrated in the presidency.
Reforms could see the country “weaken the so-called ‘imperial presidency’ by getting rid of many of the president’s powers and investing them in the legislature”, he suggested.
Yoon has remained defiant throughout the turmoil that followed his martial law declaration.
He doubled down Thursday on allegations that “anti-state” forces were seeking to undermine South Korea’s national security and electoral system.
“Yoon’s speech was basically him sending out the impeachment invitation letter… like: ‘Please impeach me’,” Kang Won-taek, political science professor at Seoul National University, said.
“When the president said those things, it convinced lawmakers that he needed to be impeached.”
‘I’m so happy’: tears of joy, K-pop on Seoul streets as Yoon impeached
By AFP
December 14, 2024
Protesters calling for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol react after the result of the impeachment vote outside the National Assembly in Seoul
By AFP
December 14, 2024
Protesters calling for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol react after the result of the impeachment vote outside the National Assembly in Seoul
- Copyright AFP ANTHONY WALLACE
Claire LEE and Jin-kyu KANG
South Koreans wept and screamed with joy in freezing Seoul on Saturday as parliament voted to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office over his failed bid to impose martial law.
Inside the ornate seat of South Korea’s hard-won democracy, lawmakers voted 204 to 85 to impeach Yoon for his “insurrectionary” push to suspend civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades.
And outside the parliament, where police said at least 200,000 had gathered to call for his removal, K-pop tunes rang out and protesters hooted and hugged each other as his removal was confirmed.
“I’m so happy that it’s hard to put into words,” Yeo So-yeon, 31, told AFP.
“If it didn’t happen tonight, I was planning to come every week anyway. It’s meaningful to be present at such a historic, joyful moment,” she said.
There were concert vibes as protesters sang “Into the New World” — a K-pop song that became a protest anthem.
And despite the overwhelming crowd making it almost impossible to move, protesters waved their glow sticks, cheered, danced and jumped along to the music.
They then celebrated with Christmas carols, including “Silent Night”.
“The moment the impeachment was officially announced, everyone started crying, including myself,” Seong Jeong-lim, 42, said.
“We are the true owners of this country.”
“Isn’t it amazing that we, the people, have pulled this off together?” Choi Jung-ha, 52, who danced in the street after the vote, told AFP.
– ‘A better future’ –
Thousands had gathered ahead of the vote in front of the National Assembly, with the sounds of K-pop bangers like Psy’s “Gangnam Style” ringing out.
A group of mothers also arranged diaper changing stations and warm tents for young children to play in.
“I want to give them a better future, like any other parent wants,” said Kim Ji-woo, pointing to her 18-month-old twins.
“I hope they’ll be able to witness history,” she added.
Kim Deuk-yun, 58, held a flag that read: “National Weekend Climbers Association”.
“I was supposed to go hiking today, as I do every weekend. I really do love hiking,” he told AFP.
“But I came here instead to support my fellow citizens.”
Jung Yoon, 18, was carrying a flag that read “National Romantic Pirate Corp.”
“I made this flag because I love the musical called ‘Pirates’, and I’m here with my friends who also enjoy musicals,” she told AFP.
“Of course, the main reason I’m here is to call for Yoon’s impeachment, but it’s also wonderful to be with people who share my passions.”
– ‘My duty as a citizen’ –
Another protester held a sign displaying a sleeping anime character imploring lawmakers to “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! Let’s go back under the blankets.”
And Cho Hyun-woo said he had taken the first train in the morning all the way from the southern port city of Busan to participate in the protest.
“It’s my duty as a citizen. I didn’t need to think twice,” he said.
Saturday’s vote had been far from certain — opposition lawmakers had needed to convince eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to switch sides.
In the end, 12 appear to have defected.
Lee Yong-ju, 55, told AFP he never had any doubts.
“It would have been difficult for ruling MPs to ignore the growing public calls,” he said.
With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on the vote.
The court has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s future.
But those who rallied weren’t worried.
“I am 100 percent certain the Constitutional Court will side with the impeachment.”
Protester Kim In-jeong, 32, told AFP he had struggled to sleep since the martial law announcement.
“I would worry that when I wake up in the morning, the country might be in ruins,” she said.
“Today, I finally feel like I can relax and go to bed feeling relieved and safe.”
Claire LEE and Jin-kyu KANG
South Koreans wept and screamed with joy in freezing Seoul on Saturday as parliament voted to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office over his failed bid to impose martial law.
Inside the ornate seat of South Korea’s hard-won democracy, lawmakers voted 204 to 85 to impeach Yoon for his “insurrectionary” push to suspend civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades.
And outside the parliament, where police said at least 200,000 had gathered to call for his removal, K-pop tunes rang out and protesters hooted and hugged each other as his removal was confirmed.
“I’m so happy that it’s hard to put into words,” Yeo So-yeon, 31, told AFP.
“If it didn’t happen tonight, I was planning to come every week anyway. It’s meaningful to be present at such a historic, joyful moment,” she said.
There were concert vibes as protesters sang “Into the New World” — a K-pop song that became a protest anthem.
And despite the overwhelming crowd making it almost impossible to move, protesters waved their glow sticks, cheered, danced and jumped along to the music.
They then celebrated with Christmas carols, including “Silent Night”.
“The moment the impeachment was officially announced, everyone started crying, including myself,” Seong Jeong-lim, 42, said.
“We are the true owners of this country.”
“Isn’t it amazing that we, the people, have pulled this off together?” Choi Jung-ha, 52, who danced in the street after the vote, told AFP.
– ‘A better future’ –
Thousands had gathered ahead of the vote in front of the National Assembly, with the sounds of K-pop bangers like Psy’s “Gangnam Style” ringing out.
A group of mothers also arranged diaper changing stations and warm tents for young children to play in.
“I want to give them a better future, like any other parent wants,” said Kim Ji-woo, pointing to her 18-month-old twins.
“I hope they’ll be able to witness history,” she added.
Kim Deuk-yun, 58, held a flag that read: “National Weekend Climbers Association”.
“I was supposed to go hiking today, as I do every weekend. I really do love hiking,” he told AFP.
“But I came here instead to support my fellow citizens.”
Jung Yoon, 18, was carrying a flag that read “National Romantic Pirate Corp.”
“I made this flag because I love the musical called ‘Pirates’, and I’m here with my friends who also enjoy musicals,” she told AFP.
“Of course, the main reason I’m here is to call for Yoon’s impeachment, but it’s also wonderful to be with people who share my passions.”
– ‘My duty as a citizen’ –
Another protester held a sign displaying a sleeping anime character imploring lawmakers to “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! Let’s go back under the blankets.”
And Cho Hyun-woo said he had taken the first train in the morning all the way from the southern port city of Busan to participate in the protest.
“It’s my duty as a citizen. I didn’t need to think twice,” he said.
Saturday’s vote had been far from certain — opposition lawmakers had needed to convince eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to switch sides.
In the end, 12 appear to have defected.
Lee Yong-ju, 55, told AFP he never had any doubts.
“It would have been difficult for ruling MPs to ignore the growing public calls,” he said.
With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on the vote.
The court has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s future.
But those who rallied weren’t worried.
“I am 100 percent certain the Constitutional Court will side with the impeachment.”
Protester Kim In-jeong, 32, told AFP he had struggled to sleep since the martial law announcement.
“I would worry that when I wake up in the morning, the country might be in ruins,” she said.
“Today, I finally feel like I can relax and go to bed feeling relieved and safe.”
Kim Woo Yong, a trade unionist at Kia Motors, spoke to Socialist Worker
Protesters celebrate after the announcement of parliament’s vote to impeach president Yoon (Picture: Workers’ Solidarity)
By Thomas Foster
Friday 13 December 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
SOCIALIST WORKER Issue
The South Korean parliament voted to impeach right wing president Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. Mass mobilisations have rocked the country this week—and the working class is playing a pivotal role in the movement.
Yoon launched a failed coup at the beginning of the month and defended its legitimacy this week.
Millions of people took to the streets on Saturday, with huge protests in the capital Seoul and other cities across South Korea. After the impeachment vote passed, protesters celebrated and danced. The chants shifted to “Arrest Yoon immediately!”
Yoon’s impeachment must still be approved by the Constitutional Court, which is supposed to deliver its verdict within 180 days.
People have protested outside the National Assembly in the capital Seoul every day, with the demonstration on Friday reaching over 100,000.
Thousands of students rallied on the same day, in the biggest inter-university student rally for more than a decade that was backed by 30 different student unions.
Yoon defended the coup on Thursday and appealed to all of the right to help him fight against demands for his impeachment and resignation. He called the National Assembly a “monster that is destroying the constitutional order of liberal democracy”.
Workers at Kia Motors struck for four hours on two days this week—and are pushing for more action.
Kim Woo Yong is a trade unionist who works at Kia Motors, in the second largest car factory in South Korea and part of the Metal Workers’ Union. He spoke to Socialist Worker about the movement a day before the impeachment vote.
He said, “The KTCU union federation declared an indefinite general strike and half an hour later the martial law was lifted. The threat of a general strike helped press the ruling class into backtracking.”
But after Yoon retreated from martial law, the KTCU union leadership didn’t follow through with its call. “Despite this many workers are responding to the initial call from above and many trade unionists are participating in street protests,” Woo Yong said.
The KCTU called the strikes “is because of the huge historical anger of workers that forced them to”.
“Many workers remember the previous military dictatorship, remember martial law and the harsh repression towards trade unions.”
Within Woo Yong’s workplace “many of the workers are very angry” that the metal workers’ union is “only calling for four hour strikes”. “Many think we should strike until Yoon is impeached or arrested,” he said.
He described a meeting of a committee of the metal workers’ union, made up of 100 delegates. Woo Yong said, “When I called for a statement in favour of an all-out strike, 30 of them agreed with me.
“Together we announced a statement for all metal workers to strike until Yoon goes down. Although the trade union leadership does call for strikes they are also acting as a brake on the strike movement. The trade unions are not fighting enough, just acting like they are.”
Pressure from below pushed the metal workers’ union to call strikes this week. “Last week Kia Motor workers didn’t participate in the first day of strikes and many were angry,” he said.
“There was a big protest about why we weren’t striking and many phoned up our leadership.”
He added, “This week Kia Motor workers did strike but Hyundai didn’t—there is a feeling that we would be stronger together.”
What’s behind the crisis in South Korea?
Woo Yong said some workers are “saying who are we to intervene into politics”, but they remain a “minority”. “Many workers are feeling that we can fight and beat the ruling class. I don’t think it will be easy for the ruling class to turn the tide,” he said.
“Things won’t go smoothly, there will be many ups and downs and reactionary moments. But the working class has the power to stop another coup from happening.”
One of the dynamics behind Yoon’s attempted coup is a prolonged economic crisis, with South Korea suffering from low growth rates. And, because of this, “Yoon was under pressure to squeeze workers so South Korea could be competitive on the international stage.
“But workers throughout his presidency have fought back. Although they didn’t win they inflicted political damage. Yoon was under pressure to respond to the capitalists’ demands but his time was running out.
Because “he couldn’t push healthcare, pensions and wage reforms through parliament,” Yoon turned to martial law.
Imperialist rivalry between the United States and China is worsening the economic problems. For instance, the three major industries in South Korea are semiconductors, cars and petrochemicals.
Woo Yong explained, “The rivalry between China and the US is affecting those industries. The largest semiconductor company has seen its share price fall in half in the last six months.”
He concluded by remarking that all revolutionary socialists “face challenges with the trade union bureaucracy” that balances between workers and bosses.
For instance, the rail workers’ union stopped their strike this week without any significant victory. Lee Jae-Myung, the leader of the liberal Democratic Party that dominates parliament, mediated the dispute and the union bureaucrats took the first chance to stop the strike.
“The struggle goes forward and back,” said Woo Yong. South Korean socialists face an “opportunity to use the official call to strike and turn it into actual struggle” on the ground.
Thanks to Jong Kim for translation
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