Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to designate December 3 as a day for celebrating people's sovereignty, marking the anniversary of overcoming a failed martial law attempt that shook the nation a year ago. The move underlines South Korea's robust democratic spirit and resilience.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee made this announcement during a special national address commemorating the one-year anniversary of the martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was subsequently lifted. He referred to this historic event as the "revolution of light," highlighting the peaceful prevention of the coup by unarmed citizens.

President Lee emphasized that the incident was unprecedented, marking the first coup attempt in a democracy like South Korea in the 21st century. He noted, "Ironically, the December 3 coup became an opportunity to showcase to the world the high level of civic consciousness of our people and the remarkable resilience of South Korea's democracy."

He further stated, "The government, born from the 'revolution of light,' will designate December 3 as National Sovereignty Day to honor the great courage and actions of the South Korean people."

The original martial law announcement by Yoon, made on December 3 of the previous year, was justified by citing government dysfunction and the need to eliminate pro-North Korea forces. However, this decree was quickly overturned by the National Assembly in less than three hours and was formally lifted by Yoon later that same day.

Despite its brief duration, the martial law imposition had significant repercussions, causing a leadership vacuum and halting state affairs for months.