South Korean citizens react after martial law order called by their president

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - South Korean citizens are reacting after their President declared Martial Law earlier this week.

WTOC sat down with a man who was there, and says that he’s supporting an impeachment that many there are calling for now.

“Korean people were surprised,” said Seyeul Ryu, South Korean citizen.

Seyeul Ryu’s first reaction when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol put a martial law order in place earlier this week.

“The democratic party moved quickly,” said Ryu.

While it only lasted six hours, the order shocked South Korean communities.

Many South Koreans are losing trust in their leadership.

“We don’t trust our president Yoon anymore,” said Ryu. “Maybe 80 percent of Korean people think like me.”

Ryu says he worked with Hyundai Motors for twelve years as senior vice president.

Now, he’s getting word that the Hyundai Motor Group union would strike until President Yoon resigns.

“I’m not sure if this impeachment could happen or not but that’s something Korean people want,” Ryu expressed. " President Yoon, maybe he will do another action, like another Martial Law, that could happen here. So we want him to resign as soon as possible.”

Ryu says although he was in disbelief, he’s holding on to hope.

“Our future is still good,” Ryu said.