South Korea Says Martial Law Cleanup Still Not Complete
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has said that the country’s efforts to fully address the fallout from the failed martial law attempt of 2024 are still incomplete. Speaking on the first anniversary of the incident, he stressed that accountability, legal action and institutional reforms must continue until the crisis is fully resolved.
What President Lee Said
Lee described the former administration’s move to impose martial law on December 3, 2024 as a severe threat to South Korea’s democracy. He said those involved in attempting to undermine constitutional order must face justice. Lee added that the “cleanup” process — including trials, investigations and governance reforms — is ongoing and far from finished.
Background of the Crisis
The martial law declaration by the previous president sparked mass protests, political turmoil and swift intervention by parliament, which overturned the order. Several senior officials, including military and political figures, later faced charges ranging from insurrection to abuse of power. Public trust in institutions was shaken, and political divisions remain deep even a year later.
What Still Remains Unfinished
The president said he would propose marking December 3 as a national day to honour citizens who resisted the attempt at authoritarian takeover. He also emphasised that several legal proceedings are still underway and that structural reforms are needed to prevent similar threats in the future.
What This Means for the Nation
Lee’s remarks highlight the continuing impact of the crisis on South Korea’s political landscape. Analysts say the coming months will be crucial as courts pursue pending cases and the governm
