South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly ended a surprise martial law declaration on Wednesday, just hours after imposing it in response to a dramatic standoff with lawmakers. The declaration banned political activities and placed the media under government control, causing nationwide outrage. The crisis escalated into one of the country's biggest in decades.

Why did Yoon declare Martial Law

On Tuesday, President Yoon declared "emergency martial law," accusing the opposition Democratic Party of undermining governance, sympathizing with North Korea, and engaging in "anti-state" activities. The move was controversial because it suspended protests, limited parliamentary functions, and put media outlets under strict government control.

The resolution was swiftly condemned, and opposition leaders together with members of the Conservative People Power Party led by Yoon rejected the measure. Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly in large numbers, where clashes with troops showed the tension gripping the nation.

Parliament acted swiftly to nullify Yoon's declaration. In a historic vote, 190 lawmakers voted against martial law, prompting the Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won Shik, to declare it "invalid." Woo promised that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.”

By early Wednesday morning, after a Cabinet meeting, the declaration of martial law was officially revoked. Protests outside the National Assembly erupted in cheers and applause when troops and policemen left the building, shouting, "We won!"

Can President Yoon face impeachment?

The controversy over the martial law declaration is far from over. The opposition Democratic Party, which commands a majority of seats in the 300-member parliament, demands Yoon must step down or be impeached.

The party stated that “President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution. It didn’t abide by any requirements to declare it,” They described his actions as a “grave act of rebellion” and emphasized that impeachment proceedings are justified.

If impeachment moves forward, Yoon will lose his presidential powers while the Constitutional Court will review the case. During this period, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to assume presidential duties.

Yoon has faced growing criticism in recent months, struggling to pass legislation through a parliament dominated by the opposition. Scandals involving his wife and top officials have only added to the pressure.

The leader of Yoon's party, Han Dong-hoon, has apologized to the public and demanded accountability.  “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” he said, calling for the dismissal of the defense minister.

The United States, South Korea's key ally, welcomed Yoon's reversal. “We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration,” said a White House spokesperson, adding that Washington had been monitoring the situation closely.

It is the first time martial law has been declared in South Korea since the student-led uprising in 1980. The country's constitution, which limits declaring martial law only during times of war or comparable emergencies, leaves questions regarding the legality of Yoon's actions.