Marking the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung delivered a nearly nine-minute-long address vowing to defend democracy and holding accountable those responsible for the crisis.

Speaking from the Presidential Office on Wednesday, Lee lauded citizens for their peaceful resistance, calling it “worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize” and a historic affirmation of South Korea’s democratic resilience. 

He announced plans to designate Dec. 3 as “People’s Sovereignty Day” to honor the public’s role in defending democratic governance.

“Together with the great citizens who illuminated the path