SOUTH KOREA – A chaotic night in South Korea produced scenes most thought were consigned to the nation’s history. One in particular has caught the attention of many: a woman confronting soldiers who were sent to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly. Footage of Ahn Gwi-ryeong, 35, a spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Party, grabbing the weapon of a soldier during the commotion has been shared widely online. “I didn’t think… I just knew we had to stop this,” she told the BBC Korean Service.

Ahn made her way to the assembly building as soldiers descended on it, shortly after the president declared martial law across South Korea. Like many in South Korea’s younger generation, the word “martial law” was foreign to her. It was last declared in 1979. When Ahn first heard the news, she admitted “a sense of panic took over”.

When martial law is declared, political activities like rallies and demonstrations are banned, strikes and labour actions are prohibited, and media and publishing activities are controlled by the authorities. Violators can be arrested or detained without a warrant. Shortly after the declaration of martial law, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called on lawmakers to gather in the National Assembly and hold a vote to annul the declaration.  Arriving at the assembly building just past 23:00 local time, Ahn recalled turning off office lights to avoid detection as helicopters circled overhead. (BBC)