Ahn Gwi-ryeong: Defending Democracy in South Korea
In December 2024, South Korea faced a historic crisis when President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law. The announcement sent shockwaves through the nation, marking the first time since the 1970s that such a move had been made. At the heart of the resistance was Ahn Gwi-ryeong, a South Korean politician and spokesperson for the Democratic Party, whose bold actions that night became a powerful symbol of democratic defiance.
A Stand at the National Assembly
As armed forces approached the National Assembly to block lawmakers from entering, Ahn Gwi-ryeong rushed to the scene late at night. She stood at the front lines with fellow party members, aides, and ordinary citizens, physically resisting the soldiers. In a moment captured on video, Ahn confronted one of the troops, fearlessly grabbing his rifle and demanding, “Are you not ashamed?” Her courage and refusal to back down resonated deeply with the public. Though she admitted to being afraid, Ahn emphasized the importance of protecting democracy over personal safety.
From News Anchor to International Icon
Born in 1989 in Gyeongju, Ahn Gwi-ryeong began her career as a broadcast journalist before transitioning into politics. Known for her communication skills, she became a prominent voice within the Democratic Party. Her courage during the martial law crisis solidified her international reputation as a principled and fearless advocate for democratic values. Thanks in part to her efforts, 190 lawmakers quickly convened and repealed the martial law declaration, restoring constitutional order within hours.
Ahn’s actions during those tense hours remain a defining moment in South Korea’s recent political history—a reminder of the role individual action can play in defending democracy.
Authentic Portraits of Ahn Gwi-ryeong
In May 2025, I made portraits of Ahn Gwi-ryeong for a profile in the German political magazine Cicero. Since then, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung won the snap presidential election, and Mr. Lee appointed Ms. Ahn deputy spokesperson for the President’s Office. Opportunities for new photos are limited for the time being.
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