Document
Over the last few days, the people of South Korea have experienced a bewildering and unsettling series of events, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt on Tuesday 3 December to impose martial law. Church partners in South Korea have described this attempt as “a grave violation of constitutional values and an act that undermines democracy and human rights”. The World Council of Churches (WCC) expresses its solidarity and support for the Korean churches and all ecumenical and civil society partners working to defend human rights, democracy and the rule of law in this time of crisis.
Although President Yoon subsequently submitted to the demands of the National Assembly and lifted his declaration of martial law only a few hours after it was issued, his actions have caused a serious crisis in South Korea, threatening its hard-won democracy, and deeply destabilizing the nation. For these actions, President Yoon will face an impeachment vote.
The people of South Korea suffered grave violations of their fundamental rights under the military dictatorship regimes of the 1980s, against which South Korean churches and civil society movements led courageous campaigns for the establishment of democracy and respect for human rights. That history was central to reflections at events marking the centennial of the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) in September this year. As the NCCK observed in a statement issued on 4 December following the declaration of martial law, “Since Korea’s democratization in 1987, the Korean people have built a precious trust in democracy, which President Yoon has betrayed. His actions seek to drag Korean society into “deep darkness” (Isaiah 60:2) and undo the progress we have made.”
As in the past, the WCC stands steadfastly alongside the churches and ecumenical and civil society partners in South Korea who seek justice against injustice, democracy against authoritarianism, and peace against conflict. We will closely monitor subsequent events, in light of the instability provoked by this abuse of power and fears of further threats to South Korea’s democracy. We pray for the secure restoration of the rule of law and democratic governance in South Korea, and for justice and peace for the people of the Korean Peninsula.
Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
