On Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his decision to rescind a martial law order, following a parliamentary vote that went against the measure. The martial law had been declared by Yoon on Tuesday in response to what he described as "anti-state forces" among his political adversaries. However, the move quickly met with significant backlash from lawmakers and the public, leading to protests outside the parliament.
The unexpected martial law declaration was unanimously opposed by 190 members of the South Korean parliament. According to the country's legal framework, the president is required to revoke martial law immediately if the parliament rejects it through a majority vote. This legislative check came into play as Yoon's own party members joined the chorus urging him to overturn the decree.
The political turmoil, which marks one of the most significant crises in South Korea in recent decades, raised concerns globally due to the nation's status as a longstanding democracy, a key ally of the United States, and an influential player in the Asian economy. The international community watched closely as the events unfolded, signaling relief as the president agreed to comply with the parliamentary decision.
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