Overview

• President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, citing vague threats from North Korea and alleged 'anti-state forces' within the opposition-controlled parliament.
• The martial law decree, which included bans on political activities, strikes, and media independence, was the first such declaration in South Korea since 1980.
• Parliament swiftly convened an emergency session, with 190 lawmakers voting unanimously to demand the lifting of martial law, forcing Yoon to rescind the order within hours.
• The move has been widely criticized as a desperate attempt to consolidate power, with opposition leaders and even members of Yoon's own party denouncing it as unconstitutional.
• The political fallout is expected to severely damage Yoon’s presidency, with calls for his resignation and potential impeachment growing louder domestically and internationally.