On 3 December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol addressed the Nation in an unscheduled television appearance, shocking the country and the world by declaring martial law. He justified this measure by a need to fights against pro-North Korean subversive forces threatening the constitutional order. In practice, this meant the power has handed to the Army Chief of Staff General Park An-soo. Restrictions were immediately placed on political activities, media and publications, and striking medical personnel was forced back to work.

Late at nights, while members of the National Assembly were gathering at the National Assembly despite police barricades, Pax Christi Korea members held a prayer vigil:

“Dear God of Justice and Peace,

We are spending this night in shock and anger in the midst of the illegal declaration of martial law in South Korea

Give courage to all members of parliament, politicians, soldiers, policemen and civil servants to choose the path of justice according to their conscience.

Lord, give us the strength to restore democracy and bring justice to its rightful place as soon as possible through non-violent protests and resistance.

Lord, hear our prayers.”

At 1 am on 4 December, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to lift martial law. All 190 members present for the vote voted in favour of the resolution, despite the blockade by the police and military forces. Despite clashes between the security forces and civilians, nonviolence prevailed. Shortly after the vote, Pax Chriti Korea published the following statement:

“Pax Christi Korea categorically opposes and rejects President Yoon Seok-yeol’s illegal declaration of emergency martial law.

We wholeheartedly welcome the swift action of 190 members of the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly who gathered together and unanimously adopted a resolution to lift the declaration of emergency.

We urge all members of the National Assembly to work together to restore constitutional order and democracy as soon as possible and to realise justice in accordance with the rule of law.

We urge all military soldiers, police officers and civil servants in South Korea to refuse to comply with this illegal measure in accordance with their conscience.

As Christians, we will pray and act in accordance with our conscience and Catholic faith to reject and refuse the illegal measures.”

See also the statement of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Korea (CBCK).

On Friday, 6 December 2024, Pax Christi Korea called for President Yoon Seok-yeol to step down, as the illegal declaration heightened the peace and security crisis on the Peninsula. Indeed, the declaration was frighteningly reminiscent of the long struggle for democracy under authoritarian rule, with a common use of martial law as a tool of political suppression, repression of the media, and political violence against dissidents. Here is the statement:

“Pax Christi Korea cannot recognize Yoon Seok-yeol as the president any longer because the surprise and illegal attempt to impose martial law on the night of December 3 constitutes an act of treason that has violated the Constitution.

This attempt to impose martial law has further heightened the crisis of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.  Therefore, we urge all members of the National Assembly, both ruling and opposition parties, to work together to restore constitutional order and democracy as soon as possible and to quickly realize justice and stability under the rule of law.

We urge Yoon Seok-yeol, who committed an illegal act, to resign and be tried as a natural person under the law. If this is refused, we will urge the National Assembly to impeach him on behalf of the people.

We urge all soldiers, police officers, and civil servants in South Korea to faithfully fulfill their duty to protect the Constitution and democracy, not follow the illegal orders of Yoon Seok-yeol. In particular, we urge all Christians to discern and act according to the Catholic social teachings and their consciences which God has given them.

As Christians, we will do our best to restore democracy and justice in accordance with the spirit of Catholic nonviolence and peace.”

On 7 December, Pax Christi Korea attended the peaceful protests in support of the attempt at the National Assembly to impeach the president. These protests gained the world’s attention through their uniqueness and inspiration from K-pop concerts. However, a majority of 200 votes of the 300 members of Parliament was needed for the impeachment motion to pass – which fell short by five votes. Nevertheless, the swift action of the National Assembly and the creativity, strength and nonviolence of civil society in reaction to the imposition of martial law remain an enduring testimony to the health of South Korean democracy, while reminding us of the need to remain vigilant.

On Saturday, 14 December, many Pax Christi Korea members joined the weekly rally held in front of the National Assembly which voted for the second time for the impeachment of President Yoon second time. By 204 votes in favour, 85 against, 1 abstention and 10 invalid votes, the impeachment motion passed. Pax Christi Korea subsequently posted the following statement:

“Pax Christi Korea sincerely welcomes the National Assembly’s decision to impeach President Yoon Seok-yeol. (In favour 204, Against 85, Abstain 3, Invalid 10 out of the 300 Votes).

We welcome the courage of the 12 members of the ruling party who voted to restore democracy and the rule of law, despite the opposition party’s position, in accordance with common sense and conscience.

The National Assembly’s decision to impeach was a victory for the people who have dedicated themselves to defending democracy according to the spirit of nonviolence peace and a meaningful event that demonstrated democratic resilience.

We once again urge all politicians and public officials, especially the Constitutional Court, to work together to restore constitutional order and democracy as soon as possible and to implement justice in accordance with the rule of law.

We are grateful to all citizens who have dedicated themselves to overcoming this constitutional crisis peacefully, and especially to the support and solidarity of the international community including members of Pax Christi International.

We will continue to fulfill our civic duty for justice and peace while praying in accordance with the spirit of Catholic non-violence peace.”

The National Assembly’s decision now has to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops in the country welcomed it.