South Korea's President Proposes Holiday to Mark Anti-Martial Law Protests
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President Lee Jae-myung has announced a plan to create a new national holiday. The date would commemorate the large-scale protests against martial law declared by his predecessor.
On December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law. The move triggered massive public demonstrations and a major political confrontation in the National Assembly.
President Lee stated that establishing the holiday would "remember the value of democracy defended by the people." He framed the proposal as an act of historical justice.
The announcement signals a sharp break from the previous administration's policies. If approved by parliament, the holiday would permanently mark the anniversary of the 2024 protests.