The Korea Times

Timeline: from martial law declaration to Yoon's removal

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed from office on Friday as the Constitutional Court upheld the motion against him. The ruling followed Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration, which plunged the nation into unprecedented political turmoil and deepened polarization across the country. The nation now faces a transition period as preparations are set to begin for an early presidential election. Here's a timeline of events, tracing how Yoon's botched martial law attempt ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office. Dec. 3, 2024 Yoon abruptly declared martial law in a late-night public announcement at 10:30 p.m., igniting unprecedented political uproar and plunging the nation into chaos for almost six hours. It was the first of its kind since the 1979 declaration of emergency martial law 45 years ago. The decree imposed a sweeping ban on political activities, suspending protests and operations by political parties. Within an hour, a dedicated martial law command was established to oversee all administrative and judicial functions, with Army Chief of Staff Gen.

Apr 4, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Timeline: from martial law declaration to Yoon's removal

People & Events

Respected pro-democracy activist dies at 78

Lee Seok-young, a pro-democracy activist and honorary professor at Jeonbuk National University, passed away on Monday at the age of 89. Despite constant surveillance and threats from martial law forces due to his role in Korea's pro-democracy movement during the 1980s, Lee lived a life that itself became a symbol of resistance. Born in 1936 in Yeongdong, North Chungcheong Province, Lee began his career as a teacher at Jeonju Gijeon Girls’ High School before becoming a biology professor at the university. Throughout the military dictatorship era of Chun Doo-hwan, he was deeply involved in the pro-democracy movement, notably serving as an adviser for the Korea Christian Student Federation (KSCF). In July 1980, amid the military regime’s brutal crackdown, Lee was detained and tortured by martial law forces at the Jeonju Security Unit. He was forcibly removed from his professorship on charges of inciting unrest. Despite the ordeal, Lee continued his activism unwaveringly during his years away from the university. After being reinstated as a professor in September 1984, he remained committ

Apr 3, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Respected pro-democracy activist dies at 78

Politics

Korea on edge as tensions mount before impeachment ruling

With the impeachment ruling for President Yoon Suk Yeol set for Friday, tensions are rising between his opponents and supporters, raising concerns about potential clashes, including violent protests at the Constitutional Court in central Seoul. Experts warn the situation could spiral into chaos unless political leaders show responsibility and strong leadership at this critical moment. They emphasize that urging the public to avoid conflict — rather than fueling tensions — is key to preventing unrest. Following the Constitutional Court’s announcement Tuesday of the impeachment ruling date, online platforms have been flooded with crude insults, baseless accusations and even violent threats against judges and politicians. This growing aggression has raised fears of a potential repeat of the violent disturbance that broke out at the Seoul Western District Court on Jan. 19, when protesters rallied against Yoon’s arrest. Overnight rallies caused heavy traffic congestion around the Constitutional Court on Wednesday morning. Additionally, tensions flared on Tuesday evening as pro- and ant

Apr 2, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Korea on edge as tensions mount before impeachment ruling

Society

Gov't eases rules for establishing foreign schools amid growing international population

As Korea's foreign population grows, the government has eased regulations on establishing and operating foreign schools and kindergartens, paving the way for more educational institutions to open nationwide. The Ministry of Education announced Tuesday that a revised bill on the establishment and operation of foreign schools and kindergartens was reviewed and approved during a Cabinet meeting. The ministry said the regulatory change is intended to enhance the educational environment for children of foreign residents. Currently, 38 foreign schools operate nationwide, with more than half clustered in the Seoul metropolitan area. Seoul alone has 17 foreign schools, followed by six in Gyeonggi Province and two in Incheon. According to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Korea’s foreign resident population reached a record 2.46 million in 2023, making up 4.8 percent of the total population — the highest percentage recorded since data collection began in 2006. However, foreign schools have faced land constraints, as they could only be established on property owned by the stat

Apr 2, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Gov't eases rules for establishing foreign schools amid growing international population

Society

Spring festivals cut back nationwide in aftermath of wildfires

Massive wildfires that swept across the southeastern parts of the country have forced local governments to cancel, postpone or scale back spring flower festivals, which typically attract large crowds. Events linked to these festivals, including fireworks displays, have been completely canceled as a safety measure. In North Gyeongsang Province, one of the hardest-hit regions, consecutive festivals are being canceled. Bonghwa County canceled its annual Sansuyu flower festival, originally scheduled for March 29, as well as a cherry blossom festival planned for May 11 to 13. The county also indefinitely postponed a walking tour program that was set for April 12 alongside the cherry blossom festival. Andong, another city impacted by the wildfires, canceled three major spring events. The cancellations highlight the urgent need to prioritize public safety and recovery, as residents who evacuated to shelters continue to face ongoing challenges, including water and power outages and communication failures. In Uiseong County, where the initial wildfire broke out, the Sansuyu Village Festival, orig

Apr 1, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Spring festivals cut back nationwide in aftermath of wildfires

Law & Crime

Wildfires extinguished after 213 hours, at least 30 killed

Police began investigating a 56-year-old man on suspicion of igniting the wildfires that ravaged southeastern Korea over the past 10 days, leaving 30 dead and burning up vast stretches of land. According to the police on Sunday, the suspect allegedly started the fire around 11:24 a.m. on March 22 while conducting an ancestral rite at a family grave on a hill in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. He has been accused of violating the Forest Protection Act. The flames quickly spread from Uiseong to nearby areas including Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok in the province. The fire continued to rage for days, making it the most destructive in the country's history. The suspect denied the allegations against him, according to police. When the fire started, the suspect’s daughter called the fire service. “A fire broke out, and my great-grandfather’s grave is burning,” she said. “I came here with my father.” Police later confirmed that the suspect’s wife was also at the scene. During preliminary questioning at Anpyeong Police Substation, the daughter explained that they h

Mar 30, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Wildfires extinguished after 213 hours, at least 30 killed

Society

Rescuing stranded pets from wildfires proves difficult

As deadly wildfires sweeping through Korea's southeast forces people to evacuate, pets — many left tied to leashes — are facing life-threatening conditions and difficulties in being rescued. According to the animal rescue group WEACT, 13 pets had been rescued in North Gyeongsang Province as of Wednesday. The organization began its operations on Sunday to rescue animals trapped in evacuated areas. Most of the rescued pets were found tied up, unable to escape even as the surrounding areas were scorched and blanketed in ash. "There are still 20 to 30 percent of areas in Yeongyang, North Gyeongsang Province, that we haven’t even been able to check for stranded pets," Ham Hyeong-sun, head of WEACT, said. Ham noted that firefighters have also been assisting with the rescue, cutting leashes to free animals that had been left behind. In disaster situations, most emergency shelters do not accept pets, leaving evacuees with limited options for staying with their animals. In 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs launched an initiative to designate co-shelters that would acco

Mar 27, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Rescuing stranded pets from wildfires proves difficult

Korea grapples with worst wildfires in its history

Society

Seoul's transit systems don't accept international payment cards despite tourism push

Despite the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s ambitious goal to attract 30 million international tourists annually, many foreign visitors still face difficulties when trying to pay for public transportation in the city. At Seoul Station, the city’s largest transportation hub serving four subway lines, the high-speed KTX service and regular trains, many international visitors still face challenges paying for transportation with foreign-issued credit or debit cards. When a Korea Times reporter visited the station on Wednesday, 20 kiosks were available for purchasing KTX tickets, but only two accepted foreign credit cards. One of those machines was out of service. The situation is even more limited for the subway, where foreign cards are not accepted as a means of payment. Tourists must either buy a rechargeable T-money card or the city’s unlimited transit pass, the Climate Card, from stations or convenience stores. Alternatively, they can use cash to purchase single-journey subway tickets. A convenience store inside Seoul Station, however, had a sign stating that it does not carry Clim

Mar 26, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Seoul's transit systems don't accept international payment cards despite tourism push

Society

60% of reclusive youth in Korea have considered suicide: survey

Six out of 10 socially withdrawn and reclusive youth in Korea have thought about taking their own lives, according to the results of the government’s first-ever nationwide survey on the topic. The study also found that 70 percent of these young people expressed a desire to escape their current isolation. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Tuesday released the results of a survey conducted with the National Youth Policy Institute, focusing on people aged 9 to 24 nationwide. The research was conducted from January to October last year. Socially withdrawn and reclusive youth are defined as individuals without intellectual disabilities or mental disorders who spend most of their time inside their rooms or homes, do not participate in school or work and have little to no social interaction outside their families. Those who remain in this state for more than three months are classified as socially withdrawn or reclusive. Out of 19,160 respondents, 12.6 percent were classified as socially withdrawn and 16 percent as reclusive. The self-reported life satisfaction score among this gr

Mar 25, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

60% of reclusive youth in Korea have considered suicide: survey

Society

Seoul unveils 10 premier tour products to boost travel

In response to changing global travel trends and a growing number of individual travelers visiting the nation's capital, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has intensified its efforts to promote high-quality tourism experiences through a new initiative called the Seoul Quality Tour Program. The program aims to develop and showcase tourism products that highlight Seoul's rich cultural heritage, including its local cuisine and popular K-content like K-pop and K-dramas, to attract international visitors. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the demand for immersive cultural experiences, including K-pop concerts and visits to drama filming locations, has been steadily growing. In 2023, the proportion of tourists coming to Korea for cultural experiences rose to 16 percent, up from 12.7 percent in 2019. Moreover, the travel preferences of visitors in their 20s and 30s have diversified. While culinary tourism remains a major attraction, visitors also enjoy exploring shopping districts, traditional palaces and historic sites. Seoul was also named the No. 1 destination for sol

Mar 25, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Jung Da-hyun

Read more

Timeline: from martial law declaration to Yoon's removal

Respected pro-democracy activist dies at 78

Korea on edge as tensions mount before impeachment ruling

Gov't eases rules for establishing foreign schools amid growing international population

Spring festivals cut back nationwide in aftermath of wildfires

Wildfires extinguished after 213 hours, at least 30 killed

Rescuing stranded pets from wildfires proves difficult

Seoul's transit systems don't accept international payment cards despite tourism push

60% of reclusive youth in Korea have considered suicide: survey

Seoul unveils 10 premier tour products to boost travel

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