What I learned from the short-lived Martial Law declaration in Korea

The past two weeks have been among the most challenging of my life. On Tuesday morning, December 3, I woke up to the shocking news that the South Korean president had declared martial law. At first, I thought it must be a reference to the martial law declaration from decades ago. But as I continued reading, I realized it was happening in real-time. I saw fully armed soldiers breaking windows and entering the National Assembly. Civilians were confronting the soldiers, standing in front of guns and military vehicles to stop them. It was unbelievable. I checked several major news outlets, and it was true—it had just happened an hour earlier. For over a week, I couldn’t focus on anything else but following the news and praying.

I was born under a dictatorship. The Korean people fought tirelessly for democracy. Many were arrested, tortured, and some even lost their lives. Thanks to their sacrifice and bravery, we achieved democracy. I’ve always been immensely proud of them and my fellow Koreans.

When I realized the current situation was real, I felt two overwhelming emotions. First, fear that we might revert to the 1970s, potentially sacrificing many lives to regain democracy—a process that could take years. Second, anger—how dare anyone even consider bringing dictatorship back to Korea?

I was following the news alone, and memories of past experiences left me feeling exhausted. It’s like spending months building an amazing art piece, only to have it destroyed in seconds. You don’t feel energized to start again immediately; you feel drained and reluctant to begin anew. That’s how I felt.

Then I saw people demonstrating—individuals half my age—smiling, singing, and chanting ‘impeachment,’ turning the demonstration into a K-pop concert. They brought K-pop light sticks, sang, and enjoyed their time together, as if it were a concert. A famous singer even performed for free. I watched their interviews, hearing how they felt when they first heard the news. I felt camaraderie. Although I was physically alone, I realized I had comrades—people who believed in the same ideals, felt the same way, and shared my values. It was different from a support group. Their ability to make this long journey enjoyable brought a smile to my face and energized me. I started to think, of course, we can do it. It’s a long journey; let’s enjoy it together. That was a shift in energy.

In my group coaching program, Women Leaders Club, I’ve been focusing on building community. I thought it was important for women on the same journey to support each other. After this experience, I realize that’s not enough. I want club members to feel a deep sense of camaraderie, knowing they share the same values and beliefs. I also want to focus more on making the journey fun. This is a bit of a challenge for me, as I tend to be serious. 😉 But I’m energized and excited about this new approach.

During this challenging time, I had friends who stood by me with kindness, care, and love. Their presence reminded me how essential it is to have people who resonate with you in tough moments. ❤️

As I reflect on these events, I’m reminded of the importance of resilience, camaraderie, and fun in navigating life’s challenges. Whether it’s my Women Leaders Club or another community, find the one that helps you thrive.