In a stunning display of defiance against a declared state of martial law, South korean lawmakers stood their ground against a contingent of armed soldiers, ultimately rejecting the measure in a unanimous vote.
The dramatic scene unfolded earlier this week when president Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to impose martial law. However,190 lawmakers,undeterred by the presence of soldiers in helmets and body armor,refused to yield. Footage of the lawmakers’ aides physically preventing the troops from entering the main hall quickly went viral, becoming a powerful symbol of public resistance against the attempted military takeover.
One notably striking image captured Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a 35-year-old spokesperson for the opposition Democratic party and former TV anchor, grappling with a soldier and attempting to wrest control of his weapon. The video, viewed over 1.2 million times on YouTube, encapsulates the tense standoff and the determination of those opposing martial law.
“My onyl thought was that I just needed to stop them,” Ahn told Reuters, recounting the chaotic scene. “I pushed them away, shook them off, and did everything I could. A lot of people where fighting against martial law troops so I just thought I also had to stop them.”
President Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law has been met with widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation. The incident has sent shockwaves through South Korea and raised serious concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions.
the events in South Korea serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and the right to peaceful protest.
for more on this developing story, please see: South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, facing impeachment after martial law shock
In a dramatic display of defiance, South Korean opposition lawmakers fiercely resisted president Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday. Scenes of chaos unfolded as lawmakers barricaded themselves inside the National Assembly,using furniture to block entrances and forming human chains to prevent troops from entering.
Undeterred, lawmakers even resorted to spraying fire extinguishers at approaching troops. Despite the tense standoff, 190 lawmakers managed to reach the parliament floor and unanimously voted to nullify the martial law declaration.
One particularly striking moment captured on video showed Democratic Party spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong confronting a soldier attempting to enter the assembly. “Let go! Don’t you feel the shame?” she shouted,before grabbing his rifle. The soldier then stepped back.
“There were many people braver than me who stood up to the martial law troops,” Ahn said when asked about the incident. “There were people who even managed to stop armored vehicles outside. So, I don’t think my actions were particularly special.”
The commander of the martial law troops later stated that there was no intention to use firearms against the public, and the vice defense minister confirmed that no live ammunition was provided to the troops.
In the wake of this dramatic confrontation, south Korean opposition lawmakers are planning to vote this weekend on impeaching President Yoon. “I think that the people have already psychologically impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol,” Ahn declared. “Who could trust a president declaring martial law almost like a child playing games or entrust the nation to such leadership?”
## “We Just Needed to Stop Them”: Ahn Gwi-ryeong on Defiance Against Martial Law
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
Earlier this week, South Korea witnessed a dramatic standoff as lawmakers, defiant against a declared state of martial law, clashed with armed soldiers inside the National Assembly. This unprecedented event, captured in viral footage, has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising serious questions about the stability of South Korean democracy.
We spoke to Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a 35-year-old spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Party and a former TV anchor, who was instrumental in resisting the military presence. In a gripping interview, he recounts the chaotic scene and his fierce determination to protect democratic values.
**World-Today-News**: Mr. Ahn, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you describe the atmosphere inside the National Assembly leading up to the arrival of the soldiers?
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: It was tense, to say the least. We had received reports that President Yoon was considering martial law, but we didn’t believe he would actually go through with it. When we saw the soldiers approaching, helmets and body armor, it was a shocking moment. We knew we had to act.
**World-Today-News**: The footage of you grappling with a soldier and attempting to wrest control of his weapon has gone viral. What was going through your mind at that moment?
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: (He takes a deep breath) My only thought was that I just needed to stop them.I pushed them away, shook them off, and did everything I could. A lot of people were fighting against the martial law troops,so I just thought I also had to stop them.
**World-Today-News**: What message do you think this incident sends to the South Korean people and the world?
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: It shows that even in the face of oppression, we will not give up on our democracy. We will fight for our rights,for our freedoms. The people of South Korea have faced hardship before,but we have always emerged stronger. This incident, though terrifying, has shown the world the sheer resilience of the Korean spirit.
**World-today-News**: President Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law has been met with widespread condemnation, including calls for his resignation. What do you think should happen next?
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: We need a full investigation into why President Yoon felt the need to declare martial law, and we need accountability. This cannot be swept under the rug. The people of South Korea deserve answers, and they deserve a government that respects their rights and their will.
**World-Today-News**: This incident has shed a harsh light on the fragility of democratic institutions. What lessons should world leaders take away from what happened in south Korea?
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: Never take democracy for granted. It is a precious thing that requires constant vigilance and protection.We must always be ready to defend our freedoms, to speak out against injustice, and to stand up for what is right, even when it is indeed tough.
**World-Today-news**: Thank you for your time and your insights, Mr. Ahn.
**Ahn Gwi-ryeong**: Thank you.
**(Include placeholder image of Ahn Gwi-ryeong)**
