The declaration of martial law by President Yoon Seok-yul on 3 December 2024, which led to the deployment of armed forces and stringent military control, was a grave and unlawful act that suppressed the freedoms and democracy of the Korean people, posing a threat to peace. His actions blatantly violated democratic principles and the rule of law, undermining constitutional governance. In response, leaders and members of the Korean Peasants’ League (KPL) and the Korean Peasant Women’s Association (KWPA) launched nationwide protests, urging the Constitutional Court to dismiss the president. KPL Chairperson Ha Won-oh and KWPA Chairperson Jeong Young-i led the charge, engaging in weeks of hunger strikes, while members across the country organised street protests and solidarity fasts. The recent unanimous decision by South Korea’s Constitutional Court to remove Yoon Seok-yul from office has renewed faith in democratic processes and highlighted the power of social movements to protect people’s rights. Here’s a statement from the KPL and KWPA reacting to the president’s removal:
“The removal of Yoon Suk-yeol marks the beginning of a new society”, Korean Peasant Women’s Association
This is the result of a unanimous decision by all eight justices of the Constitutional Court. It is the outcome of a revolution of light that swept across the nation—a victory in the long history of democracy built with blood, and a great triumph for the people.
As stated in the ruling, the December 3 martial law was clearly unconstitutional. All measures based on the illegal proclamations were also unconstitutional. The atrocities committed by Yoon Suk-yeol have now been declared an act of rebellion and violence against the people by the Constitutional Court.
The removal of Yoon Suk-yeol marks the beginning of a new society. Forces that protected the rebellion—such as the People Power Party—and those who condoned it, including Han Duck-soo and Choi Sang-mok, must be held accountable for encouraging violence and threatening democracy. Above all, we will not cease our efforts to restore the democracy that was pushed back under Yoon’s regime and to reclaim the values that were trampled.
The light that filled Namtaeryeong, the warmth that revived Hannam-dong, and the power of citizens who protected the public square will become the strength to create a new world. The Korean Women Peasants Association will continue to march forward in step with the people moving toward a new future.
April 04, 2025 , Korean Peasant Women’s Association
Unanimous Dismissal of Rebellion Ringleader Yoon Suk-yeol — History Does Not Retreat! Now Let Us Eradicate the Rebellion Forces and Achieve a Grand Social Reform!
Yoon Suk-yeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, has finally been removed from office. This is the great victory of the people who endured the long winter in Yeouido, Gwanghwamun, Namtaeryeong, and Hannam-dong. The democracy that was won with the people’s blood has once again been defended by the people themselves. The truth that history only moves forward and never retreats has once again been proven.
And history will not stop here. Beyond Yoon Suk-yeol’s dismissal, we will march forward to eliminate the far-right rebellion forces and realize a grand transformation of our society. Farmers, workers, and the people will together push the wheel of history forward with strength and determination.
Farmers’ tractors broke through police blockades twice to advance beyond Namtaeryeong and into Seoul. Now, we fear no walls and no hills. Just as we brought down the rebellion ringleader Yoon Suk-yeol, we will wipe out the rebellion forces and complete our mission of sweeping social reform. We will continue our march toward the new world envisioned by Jeon Bong-jun and the Gabo Peasant Army over 130 years ago—a world where “the people are heaven.”
April 4, 2025, Korean Peasants League
