South Korea's Democratic Resilience
Lessons for Anti-Authoritarian Movements in the U.S.
The Rise and Challenge to Authoritarianism in South Korea
South Korea has a complex history with authoritarianism that has shaped its modern democratic identity. After gaining independence from viciously oppressive Japanese colonial rule in 1945, the country experienced multiple authoritarian regimes before its transition to democracy:
Historical Authoritarian Rule: South Korea experienced several dictatorships, including those of Syngman Rhee (1948-1960), Park Chung-hee (1961-1979), and Chun Doo-hwan (1980-1988). These regimes were characterized by martial law, suppression of political opposition, restrictions on free press, and human rights violations while promoting economic development through state-led industrialization
Recent Crisis: In December 2024, South Korea faced an unprecedented democratic challenge when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, claiming the opposition Democratic Party was engaged in "anti-state activities" and had North Korean sympathies This declaration prohibited political activities, including gatherings of the National Assembly, and suspended the free press
Democratic Response: Within just six hours, the martial law declaration was reversed following swift legislative action The National Assembly convened and passed a resolution annulling martial law approximately two and a half hours after its declaration, demonstrating the strength of South Korea's democratic institutions.
Aftermath: The attempted power grab led to widespread protests and ultimately to President Yoon's impeachment in January 2025, making him the first sitting president to be arrested and indicted in South Korean history.
South Korea's Democratic Resilience
South Korea's ability to resist this authoritarian challenge reveals several key factors that contributed to its democratic resilience:
Institutional Strength: The National Assembly's constitutional power to revoke martial law through a majority vote provided a critical check on presidential authority. This institutional framework, designed specifically to prevent authoritarian overreach, proved effective.
Civil Society Mobilization: South Korea's rapid response emerged from democratic practices embedded in society that were forged through decades of resistance to authoritarian rule. When martial law was declared, citizens immediately organized protests and flooded social media with calls for vigilance.
Collective Memory: Even for younger generations born after democratization, textbooks, movies, and ongoing truth and reconciliation efforts serve as constant reminders of South Korea's authoritarian past. This shared historical consciousness created an immediate recognition of the threat.
Media and Digital Connectivity: South Korea boasts near-universal digital connectivity, with over 90 percent of South Koreans using social networking platforms, enabling rapid information sharing and mobilization.
Multi-Generational Coalition: Both older Koreans who lived through past dictatorships and younger generations educated about this history joined forces. One 15-year-old protester noted that during Yoon's term "there have been many significant events that were either poorly handled or not addressed at all,” showing how even youth were politically engaged.
Security Forces Hesitation: The passive participation and delayed response of some military and police forces played a critical role in preventing the success of the self-coup, with some commanders intentionally delaying operations.
Lessons for Anti-Authoritarian Movements in the U.S.
Based on South Korea's experience, here are key lessons for anti-authoritarian movements in the United States:
Recognize Early Warning Signs: South Koreans were "wise to defend their democracy at relatively early stages" of democratic erosion. Anti-authoritarian movements must be vigilant about seemingly small infringements that can escalate quickly.
Understand How Modern Authoritarianism Works: Unlike old dictatorships, modern democracies are often undermined "by elected leaders, who gradually transition into undemocratic rulers through countless delimited steps and through the abuse of state institutions" while maintaining a democratic façade.
Build Strong Institutional Safeguards: While South Korea demonstrated reactive resilience, it still needs stronger "preventive resilience" through institutional reforms. The U.S. must strengthen checks and balances before they're tested.
Develop Multi-Partisan Resistance: In South Korea, opposition to martial law came from across the political spectrum, including from within Yoon's own People Power Party. Democratic preservation must transcend partisan divisions.
Maintain Collective Historical Memory: South Koreans' response was shaped by "a frightening reminder of past turmoil and lives lost on the path to democracy.” Americans must likewise understand their own democratic fragilities and historical struggles.
Foster Civil Society Networks: "Civil society is the last line of defense for democracy.” South Koreans have been "mobilizing for over 100 years, learning lessons from 35 years of Japanese colonial occupation and more than 25 years of military dictatorships". Similar long-term organizing is crucial in the U.S.
Leverage Technology Responsibly: South Korea's high digital connectivity enabled rapid mobilization. U.S. movements must use technology effectively while countering disinformation.
Balance Reactive and Preventive Measures: "South Korean democracy is strong in reacting to crisis, but it's very weak in preventing crisis.” The U.S. must focus on both responding to immediate threats and building preventive safeguards.
Address Political Polarization: Political polarization was a key factor enabling democratic regression in South Korea. Reducing extreme polarization is essential for democratic resilience in the U.S.
Recognize Democracy's Ongoing Work: Democratic resilience requires "institutional and legal reforms, including more robust checks on the president's ability to circumvent the legislature.” Democracy requires continuous strengthening, not complacency.
The Takeaway
South Korea's recent democratic crisis and resilient response offer valuable lessons for anti-authoritarian movements in the United States. Both countries face challenges from political polarization, executive overreach, and the erosion of democratic norms. However, South Korea's swift mobilization against authoritarian tendencies demonstrates that democracy can be defended through a combination of strong institutions, engaged citizens, collective memory, and cross-partisan cooperation.
The most significant lesson may be that "without effective political leadership, a free press, transparent access to information, and an engaged citizenry, democracy can falter even in established democratic systems.” As both countries navigate their democratic futures, they can learn from each other's experiences to build more resilient democracies capable of withstanding authoritarian challenges.