Overview
- The recommendation was submitted by several scholars including Seoul National University professor Kim Eui-young, described as current and former leaders of major political science associations.
- Professors framed the citizens’ nonviolent resistance as a “Revolution of Light,” citing demonstrators who blocked troops and armored vehicles near the National Assembly using peaceful tactics such as lightsticks.
- President Lee Jae Myung publicly praised the move on X, calling South Korea a nation of “great citizens” and affirming that the public deserves global recognition.
- Subsequent legal rulings have labeled the 2024 martial law declaration an unconstitutional act of insurrection, with trials ongoing and a former prime minister recently sentenced to 23 years in prison.
- The nomination is under consideration with no decision yet, and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate is scheduled to be announced on Oct. 9.