Declaration of Martial Law in South Korea

Date: December 3, 2024 • Location: Rome, Italy

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 2024–present.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (pictured) declares martial law.

Yoon Suk Yeol is a South Korean politician who served as the 13th President of South Korea from 2022 until his removal from office in 2025. A member of the People Power Party during his presidency, he had the shortest presidency as an elected leader in the country's democratic history. Yoon previously served as prosecutor general from 2019 to 2021. Yoon is currently serving a life sentence in prison after being convicted of heading an insurrection and other crimes.