For much of democratic history, martial law has been a double-edged sword. While it is invoked as a safeguard against chaos, it often cuts deep into the fabric of democracy and the very freedoms of civilians. It’s a measure that replaces debate with decrees, ballots with battalions, and rights with restrictions. For many nations, it’s a grim chapter in their history; for South Korea, it’s now a sobering present.
Why does martial law exist in the first place? And what does history have to say about this controversial topic? Click through this gallery to find out.