In his nationwide address at the presidential office in Seoul, he praised the people, saying, "I am convinced that South Koreans, who overcame an unprecedented democratic crisis in world history through peaceful means, are fully deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize."
"If they were to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for preserving democracy, restoring peace, and demonstrating the greatness of democracy to the world, it would serve as a major turning point for all nations shaken by conflict and division," he elaborated.
"In the 21st century, it was the first time such a [debacle] occurred in a democratic country like South Korea. But it was also the first time in world history that unarmed citizens bravely and peacefully stopped it," he said. It "demonstrated our citizens' profound sense of sovereignty and the remarkable resilience of South Korean democracy to the world."
Calling the people's protest the "revolution of light," as citizens took to the streets with lights to defend democracy against Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, Lee also proposed designating the day as a national observance to honor the courage and actions of the people who fought to protect their sovereignty.
Lee then sternly said he will ensure those responsible for the debacle are held accountable to "ensure no one ever dares dream of a coup again." He also vowed "strict punishment for those involved whose audacity led them to destroy constitutional order for personal ambitions and even plot a war."
Yoon's martial law declaration, the first of its kind in modern South Korean history, ended after lawmakers swiftly voted to lift it within hours. About 10 days later, they voted to impeach him, and Yoon was subsequently ousted from office in April this year. He has since been on trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
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