Martial law documentary 'The Seoul Guardians' to open Dec. 3

A documentary chronicling the roughly six hours after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's emergency martial law declaration in 2024 is set to open in theaters Dec. 3, the second anniversary of the declaration, distributor Movie Bros. announced Monday.

“The Seoul Guardians” follows events inside and outside the National Assembly from Yoon's declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, through the Assembly's vote demanding the lifting of martial law and the eventual lifting of the order. MBC's current affairs program “PD Note” (1990–) produced the documentary.

Footage shows armored vehicles and helicopters at the National Assembly, as well as citizens guarding the legislature. The documentary records what happened inside and outside the Assembly after martial law was declared.

The film premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which opened in January. It received a jury special mention from the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema.

Movie Bros. plans a crowdfunding campaign to screen the film across the country.

Yoon declared martial law in a late-night televised address, accusing opposition lawmakers of anti-state activities, and sent troops to the National Assembly compound. Lawmakers voted early on Dec. 4 to demand an end to martial law, which was lifted roughly six hours after it was declared.

The Assembly impeached Yoon the same month, and the Constitutional Court removed him from office in April 2025. Yoon has been behind bars since July last year, when he was detained for a second time on charges of obstruction of official duties and falsification of official documents.

BY HAN YOUNG-HYE [[email protected]]