[theqoo] [FLASH REPORT] THE PRESIDENT DECLARES MARTIAL LAW

[속보] 尹대통령 “비상 계엄 선포” https://t.co/qb80YHGVTV

— 연합뉴스 (@yonhaptweet) December 3, 2024

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s move late Tuesday night shook a country that has been considered democratic for decades — but also revived memories of a more painful, authoritarian past.

After the Korean War, which cost more than 2.8 million lives from 1950 to 1953, South Korea’s president at the time — Syngman Rhee, a US-educated former independence fighter — adopted a strongman approach, declaring martial law and making himself president for life.

Deadly mass protests broke out against his dictatorial rule, forcing Rhee to eventually resign and flee the country.

But democracy didn’t follow; Gen. Park Chung-hee seized power in a coup in 1961, declaring martial law again in the ’70s when his popularity began dropping.

The last time a South Korean president declared martial law was in 1980, during a nationwide uprising led by students and labor unions.

Transition to democracy: South Korea would not elect a president via direct and free elections until 1988, when Roh Tae-woo became leader — overseeing the country’s transition to democracy, and becoming the first Korean president to peacefully hand over power to a civilian successor.

Since then, South Korea has been a modern, boisterous and vibrant democracy, where protests are commonplace, free speech guaranteed and power peacefully transferred between rival political camps.

Cr. CNN

1. He seriously f*cking crossed the line this time 

2. ??? Is he insane????

3. He lost his mind this crazy f*cker is bullsh*tting 

4. ?????

5. Are you f*cking joking?

6. Remove it now you f*cker

7. What is he doing? Is he joking?

8. Is this something to do in 2024?

9. Are we in 2024?

10. What is this guy doing????

11. What are you doing???

12. This f*cking ahjussi 

13. Why?

14. Crazy f*cker

15. ???? What is he saying? Is he insane???