South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun apologized today and offered his resignation following President Yoon Seok-yol’s attempt to impose martial law.

“I deeply regret and take full responsibility for the confusion and concern caused to the public by the declaration of martial law,” Kim stated in an announcement, adding, “I have offered my resignation to the president.”

How Seoul Residents Reacted to the Shock of Martial Law — Protests and Panic Buying

South Koreans went about their daily routines today, attending work, business, and school as usual. In Seoul, no visible signs remain from the six hours of martial law imposed yesterday, Tuesday, nor from the subsequent political turmoil.

The city of 9 million resumed its day with typical train and road traffic, following President Yoon’s suspension of martial law, which had been aimed at banning political activities and enforcing media censorship.

Seoul residents were left in a state of anxiety, feeling 'deeply disturbed' and afraid after President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law on Tuesday, only to reverse the move hours later https://t.co/gbo6OiO1fb pic.twitter.com/rsWZFsP6C0

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 4, 2024

However, many Seoul residents remain in shock after the events, which led to a significant drop in South Korea’s stock market and its national currency.

Martial Law in South Korea: A Rare Event

Since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, martial law has been imposed around 10 times. The last instance occurred over four decades ago when General Chun Doo-hwan seized power, ruling from 1980 to 1988.

Fifty-year-old Kang Hae-su, a Seoul resident, said he woke up by chance and saw the news.

“At first, I was scared and very confused. I kept thinking, ‘What’s going on? Can this really happen in this day and age?’ I couldn’t sleep until martial law was lifted because I was so frightened,” he said.

President Yoon declared martial law during a televised address at around 10:30 PM (local time, 3:30 PM Greek time) yesterday. He revoked the decision after the parliament rejected his attempt to suspend all political activities and enforce strict media censorship.

Sky's @CordeliaSkyNews reports live from Seoul where a candlelit vigil is taking place calling for the president to be impeached.

Jin Ryu, a member of the South Korean Democratic Party says: 'We want to take back democracy'https://t.co/BJ7WRedWMQ

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602 pic.twitter.com/VB4h2esY7z

— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 4, 2024

Martial Law Declared Overnight to Minimize Economic Impact

The president’s office explained that the overnight martial law declaration was intended “to limit its impact on the national economy and people’s lives.”

Armed soldiers, equipped with rifles, bulletproof vests, and night-vision goggles, stormed the parliament building, smashing windows.

Helicopters hovered above the premises.

“It was like something out of a movie, and I realized the situation was more serious than I thought,” said 39-year-old Kim Byung-in, another Seoul resident. He expressed concern about the political unrest’s impact on the economy.

“I’m deeply troubled by this situation and very worried about the country’s future,” he added.

South Korean Soldiers and Police seen leaving the National Assembly Building in Seoul, after the Parliament voted to end the Martial Law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Crisis appears to be over, with the apparent Coup by President Yoon having Failed. pic.twitter.com/cfOfIUg80f

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 3, 2024

Late-Night Worries and Subway Conversations

Many South Koreans stayed up late following developments, which continued to be broadcasted despite the martial law.

Upon hearing the news, typically quiet subway passengers in Seoul began talking to one another. One man was seen reading news updates aloud to another passenger, according to a witness interviewed by Reuters.

Protests and Panic Buying

Thousands gathered outside parliament overnight, demanding Yoon’s decision be revoked and calling for his arrest and resignation.

Nearly two-thirds of the 300 members of parliament rushed to vote against martial law.

A major South Korean supermarket chain, which requested anonymity, reported a 337% increase in canned food sales between 11 PM and midnight compared to the same period the previous week.

Sales of instant noodle packs rose by 254%, while bottled water sales increased by 141%, according to a company spokesperson.

Some businesses advised employees to work from home overnight, but operations resumed as usual this morning.

Strikes and More Protests Planned

South Korea’s largest labor union, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, announced that tens of thousands of its members would strike until Yoon resigned. They also plan to hold a demonstration in downtown Seoul this afternoon.

Additional protests are expected throughout the day.

“I only knew martial law had been declared for some reason, but it ended without anything significant happening, making the whole purpose feel pointless. It struck me as a bit odd,” remarked Park Yoon-yeop.