Rally marks martial law anniversary

South Koreans took to the streets yesterday for a rally marking the first anniversary of ousted president Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law that plunged the deeply divided country into political turmoil.

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On Dec 3, 2024, Mr Yoon suspended civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.

A year on, the country remains riven by political polarisation as it faces a slowing economy and an ageing population, as well as the lingering threat from North Korea.

President Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded Mr Yoon after his removal from office, attended the rally outside National Assembly, where last year lawmakers had defied soldiers to vote down the martial law bid within hours of the announcement.

The president was also scheduled to take part in a news conference with foreign media under the theme of “a renewed democracy”, his office said.