Views from a chaotic evening in South Korea were most likely consigned to the country’s history.
One specific instance has caught the attention of many: a person confronting men who were ordered to obstruct legislators from entering the National Assembly.
The images of Ahn Gwi-ryeong, 35, a spokeswoman for the opposition Democrat Party, grabbing a soldier’s tool during the noise has been widely shared 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 technology, the term “martial legislation” was unusual to her. It was last authorized in 1979.
When Ahn first learned the information, she stated that” a sense of anxiety persisted.”
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.
Opposition head Lee Jae-myung demanded that politicians assemble in the National Assembly and vote to veto the declaration immediately after it was declared martial law.
As the aircraft circled overhead just past 23 :00 native time, Ahn recalls turning off the office signals to avoid detection.
By the time she reached the principal building, men were engaged in a stand-off with authorities, advisers and people.
She said:” When I saw the armed soldiers … I felt like I was witnessing the regression of history”.
Ahn and her colleagues were determined to stop the forces from entering the main tower where the vote may take place.
They positioned equipment and other large items in front of the revolving doors after they had locked them from the inside.
When the war began advancing, Ahn stepped forth.
” Honestly, I was scared at initial”, she said, adding:” But seeing for fight, I thought,’ I can’t be motionless'”.
Around 01:00, the legislature passed the resolution calling for the end of military rules. 190 of the 190 current people voted to have it repealed.
At 04: 26, President Yoon announced he was reversing his choice.
After the conflict subsided, Ahn slept for a short time inside the council building.
She continued:” I was basically a little afraid to go outside the council in the morning because there didn’t seem to be any vehicles running, and after such a storm last night, it was hard to get back to reality”.
Ahn was talking to the BBC while sporting the same dark collar and leather jacket that she had previously wore in the video from the previous night.
At days, she was overcome with emotion.
” It’s terrible and frustrating that this is happening in 21st century Korea”, she said.