Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of how, a few days ago, South Korea went under a very short-lived martial law. It lasted for only about six hours officially, thanks to the quick action of its political leaders. Filipinos couldn’t help but react and compare South Korea’s current political landscape to the Philippines’.

South Korea’s short-lived martial law

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law at 10:23 PM KST due to “anti-state forces plotting rebellion.”

However, just a few minutes after the president’s announcements, political leaders declared their opposition against this martial law order. They moved to repeal it, calling an emergency session at the National Assembly. To reject the martial law order, South Korea’s National Assembly must gather together, and more than half of its 300 members must agree. After this, they must wait for the president to officially declare martial law is lifted.

Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Dem party, live-streaming himself climbing over the blockade wall at the National Assembly https://t.co/YGvxaV8VF7

— oomfenshmirtz (@o_biennis) December 3, 2024

Many of these lawmakers had to run over barricades, jump over walls, and push through crowds just to get to the National Assembly. Still, 190 members of the parliament were able to show up by 12:48 AM KST, thanks to the help of legal aides and citizens who showed up to help despite the low temperatures.

it’s 2 AM and south korea has seen the worst snow storms in 100 years recently. none of the civilians and assembly members have left the scene yet. they have stated that they will remain at the national assembly until the president officially declares the end of martial law. pic.twitter.com/8AaZBMddB2

— Haaaaaari (@pporapippamm) December 3, 2024

All 190 members at the emergency session voted against martial law at 1:04 AM KST, passing the motion unanimously, including some leaders in the same political party as the current president.

At 4:26 AM KST, the president went on another televised address to announce that he was officially dropping the martial law.

The martial law was officially opposed within 2.5 hours, while the short-lived martial law was wrapped up within 6 hours.

Filipinos react and compare

For many Filipinos, especially those who remember the Philippines under martial law, the quick response of South Korea’s lawmakers to their president’s martial law order was something to envy.

cancel ang martial law sa south korea kasi matatapang yung politiko nila at hindi sunudsunuran sa presidente nila.

PHILIPPINES CAN’T RELATE.

— (@leinpop) December 3, 2024

Yung mga mambabatas tinulungan na makaayat papasok ng hall..drafted the bill resolution against martial law wala pa atang 1-2hours. Tapos.

— Gaia (@_GaiaPoly) December 3, 2024

Others lamented that if the Philippines faces the same situation, Filipinos may not see the same results as South Korea.

Sad realization about all of these is that I’m not confident that we can expect the same outcome if ever it happens again in the PH. I lost trust in the government a long time ago :/

— ren⁷ (@minimimi_twt) December 3, 2024

putangina habang dito nagdedebate pa sila kung totoong tao ba si mary jane piattos https://t.co/tn0E1EqZ8V

— ❔ (@soup4cat) December 3, 2024

One pointed out that South Korea’s Yoon quick action is an example of why Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. enacted martial law on a Saturday (a non-working day) and on a day when Congress was in a recess scheduled to last for four more months.

Not just on a Saturday, but when Congress went on a recess that was scheduled to last until January, 1973: by which time a new Constitution would be ratified (we forget, with the support of Congress’ leadership throughout the exercise).

— Manuel L. Quezon III (@mlq3) December 4, 2024

Another said that South Korea showed how a system of checks and balances can work in real life and that the Philippines can learn from this, including electing leaders who care about the people.

An example for the Philippines.

This is an example of how checks and balances should work in a democratic country. Just because the head of state wants it, doesn’t meant the legislative chambers should follow. https://t.co/lpHUH3yomy

— Jairo Bolledo (@jairojourno) December 3, 2024

one thing we should learn as a democratic country is that we should elect people who will really represent us, not their party nor themselves.

for public service is public trust and always in all ways it should be of the people, for the people, and by the people.

— Kia Aiden⁷ ⨾ (@xingfu_7) December 3, 2024

Many Filipinos online are calling for fellow countrymen to “vote for people who actually studied law and know how the government works, instead of just choosing ‘popular individuals.’”

Their lawmakers are clearly well-educated in their field. This is why we should vote for people who actually studied law and know how the government works, instead of just choosing ‘popular individuals.’

— ً (@yangwonslove) December 3, 2024

Another emphasized the importance of strong historical education that allows people to understand how they can avoid repeating history, like South Korea just did.

What we are seeing in South Korea right now is not just a moving example of democracy but also an important reminder of how strong historical education can empower people to not repeat the worst of its history.

— Dr. Khursten Santos ( ꒪ͧ-꒪ͧ) 1/9 (@khursten) December 3, 2024

There’s little hope for education curriculum reform under the current Marcos admin but we might have pockets for reclaiming history if we produce more art like this. Our entertainment industry would slay it. Tipong Youth of May but make it First Quarter Storm, ganun! https://t.co/Hltvuk2JyL

— Regine Cabato (@RegineCabato) December 4, 2024

As of writing, South Korea’s political leaders have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon.

This is a developing story.

What are your thoughts on South Korea’s short-lived martial law? Tell us below.

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