Martial Law in South Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in South Korea was a frightening reminder of past political turmoil and lives lost on the path to democracy. South Korea has a history of martial law being declared 16 times, including a pivotal episode in 1980 known as the Gwangju uprising. The events of 1980 marked a turning point in South Korea's transition away from authoritarian rule.