Overview

• President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and alleged anti-state elements, marking the first such move in South Korea since 1980.
• The announcement triggered immediate protests in Seoul, with thousands gathering outside parliament to denounce the decision as an attack on democracy.
• Opposition lawmakers, who hold a supermajority in parliament, defied security measures to unanimously vote against the martial law declaration in a midnight session.
• Facing mounting pressure, Yoon rescinded the martial law early Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, calling it one of the shortest martial laws in history.
• The backlash has intensified calls for Yoon's resignation, with critics labeling the move an act of rebellion and a severe misstep in his already embattled presidency.