A South Korean politician has been hailed as an “iron woman” for boldly confronting an armed soldier during mass protests against President Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law that plunged the country into turmoil and led to calls for him to be impeached.
Yoon issued the decree on Tuesday “to safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness”.
But he quickly reversed the order early on Wednesday after lawmakers voted to oppose the declaration as thousands of protesters flooded Seoul’s streets and gathered outside parliament.
Among the demonstrators was Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a vocal critic of Yoon, who scuffled with a soldier and attempted to snatch away his rifle.
A video of the stand-off that went viral on social media showed the opposition Democratic Party member hollering “aren’t you ashamed of yourselves?” as the serviceman resisted her bid to seize the weapon.
The tussle ended when the soldier pointed the gun at Ahn, prompting his colleague to whisk him away and forcing her to retreat.