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