In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in South Korea, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has galvanized public support against President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent declaration of martial law. The former labor lawyer and mayor, who has become a prominent figure in the Democratic Party of Korea, is advocating for a legislative resolution to nullify the decree, which he argues threatens democracy.
Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung Mobilizes Against Martial Law in South Korea

Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung Mobilizes Against Martial Law in South Korea
Lee calls on supporters to challenge President Yoon's decree as protests surge in the National Assembly.
As night fell on December 3, 2024, President Yoon's controversial announcement sparked an immediate response from Lee, who urged citizens to descend upon the National Assembly. "The people should defend this nation," he declared in a livestream, calling on thousands to rally in support. This unexpected mobilization comes against the backdrop of Lee’s dramatic rise from humble beginnings as a sweatshop worker, eventually leading to his prominent political career.
Lee's story is one of resilience. Born to parents who labored as public restroom cleaners, he spent his teenage years working in a factory, where he faced life-changing injuries. However, his transformation into a labor rights attorney allowed him to champion the working class, propelling him into the political arena. His tenure as a mayor and later as the governor of Gyeonggi Province laid the groundwork for his 2022 presidential campaign, where he advocated for sweeping social reforms.
Despite the recent declaration of martial law, Lee and his party have vowed to continue their opposition, illuminating a critical moment in South Korean politics where public sentiment is mobilizing to confront what many view as a direct threat to democratic governance. As tensions mount, the nation watches closely to see how this pivotal moment unfolds within its political landscape.
Lee's story is one of resilience. Born to parents who labored as public restroom cleaners, he spent his teenage years working in a factory, where he faced life-changing injuries. However, his transformation into a labor rights attorney allowed him to champion the working class, propelling him into the political arena. His tenure as a mayor and later as the governor of Gyeonggi Province laid the groundwork for his 2022 presidential campaign, where he advocated for sweeping social reforms.
Despite the recent declaration of martial law, Lee and his party have vowed to continue their opposition, illuminating a critical moment in South Korean politics where public sentiment is mobilizing to confront what many view as a direct threat to democratic governance. As tensions mount, the nation watches closely to see how this pivotal moment unfolds within its political landscape.