South Korean protesters demand president’s ouster over martial law

Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered in front of the National Assembly in Seoul last week as he escaped an impeachment over a martial law fiasco which has gripped the country. Some protesters were disappointed with the result, but vowed to continue their protest. Yoon’s declaration of martial law last week was quickly overturned by the nation’s parliament.

Class discussion: What happens under a declaration of martial law? What civil rights are lost? Freedom of speech and the press? Arrest and imprisonment without charge or trial? When has martial law been declared in the United States? What other nations have been subjected to rule under martial law? Yoon declared martial law after opposition lawmakers refused to pass measures he wanted. Could bitter political division lead to a similar crisis in the United States?