On the night of 3rd December 2024, Jiyoon was at a vintage bar in Seoul, enjoying a glass of whisky with her friends. But everything changed as soon as this one news headline appeared on her phone: “Martial law declared.”

Without hesitation, she left the bar and headed straight to join the protests at the National Assembly.

Helicopters hovered above as crowds gathered, demanding that the government revoke martial law. What Jiyoon witnessed that night was extraordinary: the collective power of lawmakers and ordinary citizens coming together, to successfully lift martial law within just two hours.

In this episode, we discuss the events that have unfolded in South Korea over the past few days. Jiyoon shares her first-hand experiences of the night when martial law was declared, and reflects on the deeper significance of what martial law means to the Korean people. She provides a brief overview of modern Korean history to help listeners understand the recurring traumas that Korea has endured, while highlighting a powerful truth: change is always in our hands.

Jiyoon also shares her thoughts on how foreign media has covered the situation, and what it’s like to live as a woman under President Yoon.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow us and leave a review. And if you have any ideas or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes, feel free to send us an email—we’d love to hear from you!

Send your stories and inquiries: shesjustpodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: shesjustpodcast

Podcast Logo Artwork by Chami (@chami.jpg)

Intro Music: Picture Perfect Gurl by SPARKZ
(The first three episodes: Out Loud by Beat Mekanik (Free Music Archive | CC BY))
Outro Music: 2010 Pop by Akira Sora (Free Music Archive | CC BY)