South Korean President Calls for Citizens to Receive Nobel Peace Prize

President Lee Jae-myung has nominated the South Korean public for the Nobel Peace Prize. He credits citizens with peacefully defending democracy against a military takeover attempt one year ago. Lee spoke at a ceremony on Wednesday marking the anniversary of the event. He praised citizens who confronted martial law troops deployed by then-President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon was later impeached for the action. The president described the incident as an unprecedented test for South Korea's democracy. He stated the public's collective and peaceful response ensured the nation's democratic system survived. “I am convinced that we, the people of South Korea, deserve the Nobel Peace Prize,” Lee said. He argued their actions represented a powerful global example of civic defense against authoritarian rule.