“Live broadcast of a military coup is crazy” There is controversy on social media over the nightly declaration of martial law in South Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attempted to stage a military coup in the middle of the night. Citizens immediately rose up and fought back, much to the admiration and amusement of social media users.

President Yoon declared martial law at midnight on December 4, 2024. In his speech, he justified his statement by saying that it was a means of “crushing the anti-state forces that have wreaked havoc.” Lawmakers and Korean citizens ignored Yoon’s threats.

Demonstrators appeared in front of the National Assembly building and blocked soldiers from entering. Members of the National Assembly also rejected the president’s move. 190 of the 300 representatives stood and voted unanimously against the imposition of martial law.

While it is undeniably a courageous demonstration to protect democracy, it left social media users around the world with mixed feelings. Some were confused – understandably so, since a lot had happened in just three hours after President Yoon declared martial law. Many others were amused, particularly by Democratic Party Chairman Lee Jae-myung, who livestreamed his trip to the National Assembly on YouTube in the middle of the night. Since the building was blocked, he had to climb a wall to get through.

A politician parkouring on a livestream is an unexpected turn of phrase, but here we are. Social media users were equally amused by the absurdity, with a font, “Livestreaming a military coup is crazy.” Many agreed, thinking it was a “pivotal moment in history.”

The “Divas” who fought for democracy

Meanwhile, some couldn’t help but consider Lee Jae-myung an icon. One wrote: “He’s an icon, he’s a diva and he’s the moment!”

Lee wasn’t the only lawmaker to receive praise from social media users. Ahn Gwi-ryung, his fellow party member, also earned admiration from social media users for grabbing and fending off a rifle aimed at protesters. She then yelled at the man, “Aren’t you ashamed?” Needless to say, Ahn also earned the title “Diva” from social media users for her bravery. It seems that from now on Ahn will be immortalized as a diva alongside her colleague Lee.