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On December 3, 2024, in a strikingly unusual late-night broadcast, President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea announced martial law, igniting chaos across the nation. The president cited vague reasons, pointing more towards internal political strife than any violent threat from external forces or North Korea. Yoon's pronouncement notably included the military's aim to protect "liberal democracy from anti-state forces" within the country.
A flurry of immediate actions followed, from banning political rallies and controlling media to compelling striking doctors to return to work. The stark armed presence of military troops was soon felt at key locations like the National Assembly, indicating the profound crisis the nation was thrust into.