Seoul In a strong public statement on 1 December 2025, President Lee Jae Myung declared that South Korea stood “on the brink of war” until authorities thwarted last year’s controversial attempt to declare martial law, and he stressed the need for vigilant scrutiny to prevent such a threat from recurring.
Lee posted on social media platform X that certain “acts of insurrection” tied to the failed martial-law bid including alleged troop mobilization and propaganda-balloon operations toward the North had pushed the country dangerously close to conflict. He warned that leaving those involved unaccountable would risk the return of similar attempts.
To address these concerns, Lee’s government has backed a new task force proposed by the prime minister’s office to investigate public officials involved in the failed martial-law move. The initiative aims to bring clarity and responsibility to the proceedings ahead of the first anniversary of the crisis underscoring a broader commitment to democratic norms and institutional transparency.
Lee’s warning also coincides with rising tension on the Korean Peninsula. He recently cautioned about the risk of accidental clashes with North Korea, emphasizing that Seoul must resume dialogue to reduce the danger. As the public and government brace for possible fallout, many view the president’s remarks as both a call for vigilance and a reaffirmation of democratic accountability in a fragile moment for national security.
