What is the Wisu-ryeong? The Historical Significance of Its Abolition

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What is the Wisu-ryeong? The Historical Significance of Its Abolition

1. What is the Wisu-ryeong?
The Wisu-ryeong (衛戍令) was a legal measure that allowed military forces to be stationed in specific regions to maintain public order and assist with security duties. Unlike a formal law or a presidential decree, the Wisu-ryeong was regulated by a Ministry of National Defense ordinance. This meant that the military could be deployed for domestic security operations without the approval of the National Assembly.

In practice, it functioned as a form of quasi-martial law, granting the military limited authority over civilian affairs. While distinct from a full martial law declaration, it shared similarities in enabling military involvement in internal security. The Wisu-ryeong was used repeatedly during South Korea’s military regimes and was officially abolished in 2018. This article reviews the concept, historical context, issues, and the significance of its abolition.

Wisu-ryeong Proclamation [MBC News Screenshot]


2. Legal Nature and Controversies of the Wisu-ryeong

  • The Wisu-ryeong was issued as an ordinance, not as a law passed by the legislature.

  • It had vague criteria for activation and did not require parliamentary oversight.

  • It was often used as a tool to suppress political protests and civil dissent by military means.

Notable Cases:

  • Suppression of demonstrations during the April 19 Revolution in 1960

  • Deployment of troops during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980

  • Reports of consideration for activation during the 2017 candlelight protests that led to President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment

Problems with the Wisu-ryeong:

  • Lack of clear constitutional or legal basis created risks of arbitrary military intervention.

  • Military involvement in civilian policing blurred the line between military and civil authority, undermining police responsibility.

  • It posed serious risks to democratic rights such as freedom of assembly and expression.

3. Differences between Wisu-ryeong and Martial Law

AspectWisu-ryeongMartial Law
Legal basisMinistry of National Defense ordinanceConstitution and Martial Law Act
Issuing authorityMinister of National DefensePresident
Parliamentary approvalNot requiredRequired after a certain period
Military authorityLimited to maintaining orderIncludes military trials and limited administrative/judicial powers
Main purposeSupporting civilian police in maintaining orderResponding to national crises, war, or rebellion

4. Historical Significance of Abolishing the Wisu-ryeong
On September 11, 2018, the South Korean government under President Moon Jae-in officially abolished the Wisu-ryeong. This was more than a mere administrative change; it marked a pivotal step in structurally preventing military intervention in civilian affairs within South Korea’s constitutional democracy.

Significance:

  • Restoration of democratic civilian control: The abolition fundamentally restricts military involvement in civil security.

  • Guarantee of military neutrality: The armed forces can no longer be mobilized for political purposes.

  • Symbolic and practical break from authoritarian legacy: It addresses past abuses during military rule and strengthens democratic governance.

5. Comparative Overview: Similar Systems in Other Countries
While other democracies have mechanisms allowing military support in civil order situations, these are strictly regulated and subject to legislative oversight. The Wisu-ryeong’s lack of such controls was exceptional.

CountrySimilar SystemLegal BasisMilitary Intervention in Civilian OrderNotes
USAPosse Comitatus ActFederal lawStrictly limited in peacetime; presidential exceptions in emergenciesMilitary support limited and supervised
UKCivil Authorities AidParliamentary approvalLimited support on police requestMilitary cannot act unilaterally
FranceVigipirate OperationGovernment decree, Parliament informedMilitary deployed mainly for counter-terrorismCivil policing remains police responsibility
JapanSelf-Defense Forces Law (Article 83)Cabinet approval and Diet notificationDeployment only in large-scale unrestActivation criteria are very strict
South Korea (former)Wisu-ryeongMinistry of National Defense ordinanceHistorically used repeatedly under military regimesAbolished in 2018 for democratic reform

6. Conclusion
The Wisu-ryeong represented a significant tool of military influence over civilian affairs during South Korea’s authoritarian period. Its abolition is a landmark achievement that firmly establishes military neutrality and democratic civilian supremacy in maintaining public order.

When compared internationally, South Korea’s past reliance on the Wisu-ryeong was an outlier due to the lack of legislative oversight. Now, with the Wisu-ryeong officially repealed, South Korea has aligned itself with global democratic standards that emphasize constitutional governance, rule of law, and protection of civil liberties.

by pre2w

Go to the Korean original version

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