Safe, orderly protests highlight nation's mature democracy

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec 3 sparked demonstrations across the nation attended by tens of thousands of people.

Despite the high turnout, the rallies remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or tension.

The crowds were remarkably diverse, ranging from teenagers and young adults to families with young children and pet owners with their dogs.

Participants interviewed by The Korea Herald consistently reported feeling no concerns about safety and witnessing no incidents.

Among them were a couple who brought their seven-year-old daughter and four-year-old son to a rally on Dec 11, three days before Parliament voted to impeach Mr Yoon. The parents appeared untroubled by any risks.

"We weren't concerned because the rally felt more like a festival," said the father, who requested anonymity. "I attended rallies during the Park Geun-hye and Cho Kuk scandals and never felt unsafe. The organisers always manage the crowds well, and everything is orderly." The protests demanding the impeachment of former president Park, which took place from late 2016 into early 2017, saw millions of participants calling for her ouster over a corruption scandal. Similarly, the Cho Kuk demonstrations in 2019 attracted large crowds, both in support of and against the controversial former justice minister, over allegations of impropriety.