Amid Declaration of Martial Law in Korea, this Drama has Everyone Talking with its Crazy Accuracy

The unexpected declaration of martial law in South Korea has sparked renewed interest in a drama that once brought a pivotal chapter of the nation’s history to life.

On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, which was subsequently lifted just six hours later after the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding its termination. In the wake of this political turbulence, viewers flocked to YouTube to revisit scenes from the 2005 historical drama 'The Fifth Republic(제5공화국)', leaving comments such as, “This reminded me of martial law—I had to watch it again.”

Aired on MBC from April 23 to September 11, 2005, the 41-episode series chronicles critical moments in South Korean history, starting with the October 26 Incident, where then-Central Intelligence Agency Director Kim Jae-gyu assassinated President Park Chung-hee. It delves into the rise of Chun Doo-hwan, the former military commander who seized power, his presidency, and the tragic May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising.

One notable scene depicts the declaration of martial law following the October 26 Incident and the appointment of Army Chief of Staff Chung Seung-hwa as martial law commander. Actors Lee Deok-hwa and Seo In-seok brought to life the roles of Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, delivering performances lauded for their precision and intensity.

The series remains memorable not only for its gripping storytelling but also for its uncanny casting, with supporting and minor actors chosen for their striking resemblance to real historical figures. Even the characters' mannerisms and speech patterns were recreated with meticulous attention to detail. To this day, 'The Fifth Republic' is praised for its high level of historical accuracy, often considered unmatched by other works such as the film Spring of Seoul, which also tackled the same era but fell short in comparison.

One particularly iconic sequence involves an outdoor scene showing the key figures of the military coup, with their career histories appearing on screen—an artistic touch that 'The Fifth Republic' first popularized.

President Yoon’s declaration of martial law cited the need to “eradicate anti-state, pro-North Korean forces threatening the freedom of the Republic of Korea and restore liberal democratic order.” He further vowed to “rebuild and protect a free South Korea from the brink of collapse.”

Martial law, by definition, is a legal measure enacted during times of grave national or social crises, allowing the government to deploy military forces to maintain order and ensure public safety. Under martial law, civil liberties may be restricted, military courts can be established, and military oversight of civilians often intensifies. Such declarations are reserved for extraordinary situations, given their profound impact on civil governance.