Oct 2023 – President Yoon Suk Yeol and Defence Minister Kim Yong‑Hyun begin drafting a scheme to suspend the National Assembly and seize legislative power, marking the earliest planning of the later martial‑law bid [2][15].

Dec 3, 2024 – Yoon issues an emergency martial‑law decree, orders troops to surround the National Assembly and brands the liberal‑controlled legislature “anti‑state forces,” while simultaneously launching covert drone flights over North Korea to create a pretext [1][30].

Dec 4, 2024 – Lawmakers vote down the decree within hours, forcing Yoon to end the martial‑law attempt; the brief episode triggers nationwide protests and sets the stage for his impeachment [1][30].

Apr 4, 2025 – The Constitutional Court unanimously removes Yoon from office, clearing the way for a snap presidential election [24].

Jun 3, 2025 – Lee Jae Myung wins the presidential election, pledging democratic restoration and accountability for the martial‑law crisis [1][24].

Dec 1, 2025 – President Lee posts on X urging that all “acts of insurrection” from the 2024 martial‑law bid be fully addressed, warning that unresolved acts will “inevitably resurface” [26].

Dec 2, 2025 – Lee declares the martial‑law crisis a testament to South Korea’s democratic resilience, noting the swift restoration of civil liberties after the temporary suspension [22].

Dec 2, 2025 – Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae‑yeong proposes designating Dec 3 as “National Sovereignty Day” to commemorate the 1961 martial‑law coup and honor democratic values [23].

Dec 2, 2025 – Citizens observe the first anniversary of the Dec 3, 2024 martial‑law declaration at a commemorative stone outside the National Assembly [24].

Dec 3, 2025 – The National Assembly passes the 2026 budget of 728 trillion won ahead of schedule, enabling Lee’s policy agenda and signaling bipartisan fiscal cooperation [25].

Dec 4‑5, 2025 – The Office for Government Policy Coordination announces a penalty‑exemption policy for officials who self‑report involvement in the martial‑law attempt, aiming to encourage early disclosure [20].

Dec 8, 2025 – The presidential office backs the creation of a special court division to handle insurrection‑related cases, despite constitutional concerns [19].

Dec 9, 2025 – Seoul’s presidential office reaffirms Dokdo as unequivocally Korean territory, issuing its first strong response to Japan’s claim since Lee’s inauguration [17].

Dec 15, 2025 – Independent counsel Cho Eun‑suk releases a six‑month investigation concluding that Yoon deliberately prepared the martial‑law decree to eliminate rivals and monopolize power, with planning beginning before Oct 2023 [1].

Dec 16, 2025 – Special counsel reports that Yoon’s plan aimed to tag opponents as “anti‑state forces,” replace the Assembly with an emergency body, and consolidate power, confirming the scheme pre‑dated late‑Oct 2023 reshuffles [15].

Dec 23‑24, 2025 – The ruling People Power Party pushes through the Information Act, an insurrection‑tribunal bill, and an anti‑fake‑news bill, expanding state oversight and emergency‑style powers amid ongoing controversy [10].

Jan 9, 2026 – Seoul Central District Court hears arguments on Yoon’s insurrection case, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for his failed martial‑law bid; the court schedules further proceedings for Jan 13 [2][9].

Jan 13, 2026 – The court holds the final hearing in Yoon’s trial, concluding the evidentiary phase of the case that began after his indictment [8].

Jan 14, 2026 – President Lee meets ethnic Koreans in Nara, Japan, thanking them for “lighting beacons” that protected Korean democracy during the martial‑law crisis and apologizing for past espionage accusations [6]; later that day he tours Horyu‑ji Temple with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, underscoring cultural diplomacy [7].

Jan 14, 2026 – Special counsel Cho Eun‑suk’s team formally requests the death penalty for Yoon, labeling him the insurrection ringleader who sought to seize the judiciary and legislature [7].

Jan 20, 2026 – The government announces plans to push legislation protecting roughly 8.7 million gig workers, expanding labor rights amid broader reform efforts [5].

Jan 23, 2026 – Lee calls for public backing of a balanced regional‑growth strategy that will develop five hubs and three self‑governing provinces, aiming to reduce Seoul’s dominance [4]; the same day police impose travel bans on three civilians linked to alleged drone flights over North Korea [4].

Jan 2026 (unspecified) – Seoul police request arrest warrants for independent lawmaker Kang Sun‑woo and former councilor Kim Kyung over a bribery scheme tied to the 2022 local elections [3].

Feb 5, 2026 – Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo returns from Washington, pledging close consultations to avert a U.S. 25 % tariff on Korean goods, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun secures U.S. commitments on civil uranium enrichment, spent‑fuel reprocessing and nuclear‑powered submarines [3]; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources earmarks 464.5 billion won for autonomous‑driving and other auto‑tech development [3].