South Korea experienced a day of political turmoil as President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted an emergency martial law declaration mere hours after imposing it, succumbing to intense opposition from lawmakers and protesters. The unprecedented move, reminiscent of South Korea's authoritarian past, marked the first martial law declaration in over four decades.
Yoon’s sudden decree, announced late last night in an unscheduled address, sparked widespread unrest. Peaceful protests erupted in the capital, Seoul, while the National Assembly swiftly voted 190-0 to nullify the order. Following the vote, Yoon convened his cabinet, which agreed to end martial law early this morning.
The embattled president defended his decision, calling it a necessary step against "anti-state forces" attempting to destabilize government functions. However, the backlash has left his administration in disarray, with top aides offering their resignations. Opposition lawmakers have announced plans to initiate impeachment proceedings unless Yoon steps down.
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