South Korea's Lee Says Martial-Law Clean-Up Still Unfinished

On the first anniversary of the attempted martial law declaration, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the nation’s work to repair institutions and accountability mechanisms remains incomplete, even after a year of legal action, investigations and political scrutiny.

At an official remembrance event in Seoul, Lee recalled how former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s December 2024 directive attempted to suspend democratic functions and halt parliamentary oversight. He described the order as a violation of constitutional authority and a direct threat to civilian rule.

Lee credited public mobilisation, legal objections and institutional resistance for stopping the order before enforcement. The lack of violence, he said, reflected discipline among citizens and restraint among state agencies.

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Several senior officials tied to the attempt have been arrested or charged, but Lee said multiple inquiries remain active. He stated that individuals who acted outside constitutional limits must face consequences to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Lee proposed establishing December 3 as an annual day of remembrance and said the non-violent pushback should be formally recognised as part of the country’s democratic record.

Government officials are reviewing reforms aimed at preventing misuse of emergency powers, with discussions centred on clearer legal limits, expanded parliamentary authority and strengthened oversight of military decision-making.

The aftermath continues to influence domestic politics. Opposition leaders have supported investigations, while conservative groups aligned with Yoon have criticised the legal process and framed it as partisan retaliation.

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Lee ended his remarks by calling for political steadiness, institutional repair and sustained public engagement. He said the priority is restoring trust and ensuring that emergency authority cannot be used as a political instrument.