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On 3 December, Yoon Suk Yeol suddenly declared martial law, banning all political parties and severely curbing media freedom. But six hours later, after thousands of protesters had taken to the streets, he abruptly reversed course.
The National Council of Churches in Korea’s letter describes Yoon Suk Yeol’s action as “a blatant suppression of citizens’ rightful freedoms and dignity, a declaration of war against the people, and a direct violation of the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea.”
The statement notes that the declaration of martial law is also a challenge and betrayal of democracy and peace. “President Yoon Suk Yeol himself is the primary threat to the freedom and safety of the people, trampling on democracy and pushing the Republic of Korea into a severe crisis,” the statement reads. “We commit ourselves to fervent prayer and unwavering action to restore the democracy that has been achieved through the blood and toil of the people of the Republic of Korea.”
The World Council of Churches joins worldwide expressions of solidarity with the people and churches of South Korea, at a time when Yoon Suk Yeol's actions have resurfaced painful memories of the military dictatorships of the 1980s. “After their experience under military dictators in the past, the South Korean people have made clear their determination to stay on the path of representative democracy, and have rejected Yoon Suk Yeol’s outrageous and inexplicable attempts to impose martial law,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “As in the past, WCC remains by the side of its member churches and ecumenical and civil society partners in South Korea in their efforts to advance the cause of human rights, justice, and peace in the country and the region.”
