Ex-South Korean News Anchor Grabs Soldier’s Gun During Protest Against Martial Law Declaration

Yesterday (Dec 3), South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sent shock waves across the world when he declared the implementation of martial law in the country.

Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers.

The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1979.

The martial law was subsequently lifted six hours after it was imposed when lawmakers voted to reject the rule during a Cabinet meeting.

But before it was formally renounced, the announcement alone sent Korean civilians into a frenzy, with crowds gathering in front of the National Assembly in Seoul protesting for the measure to be lifted.

Former South Korean news anchor Ahn Gwi Ryeong was one of them.

In a video that’s gone viral, the 35-year-old was seen facing up to soldiers and scuffling with one holding a gun.

Amidst the chaos involving another man, Gwi Ryeong reaches for the soldier’s gun before another soldier grabs her hand and pulls her away from his counterpart.

Gwi Ryeong was later identified, based on her social media profile, as a member of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea. She’s also reportedly the party’s regional chairperson for Seoul’s Dobong District.

Based on reports, Gwi Ryeong has been open about her criticism against President Yoon and has actively called for his resignation on top of the investigation of him and his wife, Ms Kim Keon Hee.