The recent martial law crisis in South Korea has drawn significant attention to the power struggles between the president and parliament, as well as between rival political parties. However, the pivotal role of unions and civil society in responding to this democratic crisis deserves closer examination.
On December 20, we hosted a webinar titled “South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis: The Role of Unions in Opposing Authoritarianism,” featuring Ryu Mikyung, International Director of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), and Chang Dae-oup, a professor of International Korean Studies at Sogang University. The speakers shed light on the key dynamics behind the crisis and the lessons it holds for broader democratic struggles.
Ryu Mikyung explained how President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration has persistently cracked down on unions, dismantled strikes by truck drivers, arrested union leaders in the construction sector, and rejected pro-labour policies.
When Yoon declared a state of emergency and martial law late one night, the KCTU mobilised immediately. Union members gathered outside the National Assembly to safeguard lawmakers as they voted to overturn the martial law declaration. The KCTU also announced an indefinite general strike. These efforts compelled the parliament to revoke Yoon’s martial law within six hours, but the struggle did not end there.
Public calls for Yoon’s resignation have only grown louder. The KCTU has pledged to continue striking until Yoon steps down, with key unions in the metal, rail, transport, and public sectors joining the movement.
The opposition Democratic Party later introduced an impeachment motion against Yoon in parliament, but it failed to secure the two-thirds majority required, as lawmakers from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party opposed it.
Undeterred, the KCTU joined civil society groups to reignite candlelight protests, putting immense pressure on ruling party lawmakers to break ranks. This grassroots mobilisation passed a second impeachment motion with 204 votes on December 14. The matter now awaits review by the Constitutional Court. In the meantime, Yoon’s powers have been transferred to the prime minister.
Ryu emphasised that in times of crisis, people cannot rely solely on politicians or political parties to safeguard democracy. Unions must take on the responsibility of driving broader societal change. She also stressed the importance of maintaining the independence and autonomy of civil society.
Chang Dae-oup offered a deeper analysis of the socio-economic conditions that have fueled the resurgence of authoritarian neoliberalism in South Korea. Following the Asian financial crisis, neoliberal policies accelerated labour market casualisation, leading to economic instability, growing inequality, and severe social polarisation.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s presidency, marked by pro-market rhetoric and anti-union actions, has gained cross-class support, including from impoverished elderly citizens and young temporary workers. Chang argued that unions must engage with these marginalized groups to prevent their alignment with far-right extremism, which poses a growing threat to democracy.
Chang also highlighted that South Korea’s struggle is not an isolated case. Across Asia, from Myanmar and China to Hong Kong, Thailand, India, and the Philippines, authoritarianism is on the rise. The democratic resistance in South Korea offers important lessons and hope for democratic movements throughout the region.