Author: Rasmita Jena

South Korea’s Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, has been arrested for his role in declaring martial law earlier this week. This made troops surround the Parliament and brought soldiers onto the streets of Seoul.

On Wednesday night, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, claiming that opposition parties were threatening the country’s democracy. This was a big deal because it was the first time in over 40 years that martial law was used in South Korea. Many people were scared by this sudden move, both in South Korea and around the world.

However, just a few hours later, President Yoon canceled the martial law after facing strong criticism from the National Assembly and protests from the public. The martial law lasted only about six hours and ended early Thursday morning.

The day after, President Yoon accepted Kim Yong-hyun’s resignation, as opposition parties began the process to impeach both him and the president. Recently, it was reported that Kim Yong-hyun has been arrested and is facing restrictions on travel while the investigation continues.

In response to this situation, South Korea’s defense ministry suspended three high-ranking commanders involved in the martial law operation.

Although there was an attempt to impeach President Yoon, it was unsuccessful. Most lawmakers from Yoon’s conservative party did not participate in the impeachment vote. This result might lead to more protests from the public, as many South Koreans support the idea of impeaching the president.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law has been criticized even by members of his own party. They fear they might lose the presidency to opposition parties if they support the impeachment. To impeach Yoon, they needed at least 200 votes in the National Assembly, but the opposition could not gather enough support. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the situation “very regrettable,” saying it was a shame for South Korea’s democracy.

Opposition parties might try again to impeach Yoon after the next parliamentary session opens. There are fears that Yoon may not be able to finish his remaining two and a half years in office because of the damage to his leadership. Some experts think that more members from his party might join the opposition if public pressure continues to grow.

This Saturday, Notre Dame Cathedral in France will officially reopen for the first time since a terrible fire almost destroyed it in 2019. The restoration of this beautiful 861-year-old building took just five years, an incredible achievement considering it took nearly two centuries to build. This event is also good news for French President Emmanuel Macron, who pushed for the quick restoration amid his political troubles.

On this special evening, many important world leaders and local worshippers will come together inside the cathedral to celebrate. Guests include President-elect Donald Trump, First Lady Jill Biden, Prince William from Britain, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making a total of around 1,500 attendees. Due to strong winds expected in Paris, the opening ceremony will now take place inside instead of outside as planned.

Notre Dame’s rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, emphasizes that the cathedral is “more than just a French monument” and symbolizes unity and hope. “What seemed impossible has become possible,” he said.

The evening will include important religious ceremonies, speeches, and beautiful music. The archbishop will reopen Notre Dame’s grand wooden doors, tapping them three times with a wooden staff made from the burnt wood of the cathedral’s roof. Crowds will gather along the Seine River, where people like Huguette Euphrasie will pray for loved ones while they watch the ceremony on large screens.

In the cathedral, the organ, which has been silent since the fire, will play again with the help of talented musicians. There will be a concert featuring famous artists, celebrating the cathedral’s rebirth.

The reopening is especially significant since the world is facing many problems, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Dumas believes Notre Dame offers a comforting presence and is a symbol of unity.

The reopening also comes during a tough time for President Macron, whose government recently faced major challenges. The event will give him a chance to highlight this positive achievement for France.

The area around Notre Dame will be secure as many gathered to witness this global event. Large screens along the river will help the public feel part of the celebration, and Notre Dame is expected to attract millions of visitors each year, showing its enduring importance to people all over the world.