President Yoon says martial law to be lifted in South Korea after protests: Live updates
Opposition says it will try to nullify shock move by embattled president Yoon Suk Yeol
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Your support makes all the difference.South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said early Wednesday that he would soon lift the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule.
Yoon said his government had withdrawn the military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as "soon as members arrive."
Yoon had declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate "anti-state" forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country's parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was "invalid" and that lawmakers "will protect democracy with the people."
The president's surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon's own party.
White House relieved Sout Korea president has backed down on martial law
The White House said on Tuesday it was relieved that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol had reversed course over a martial law declaration in the country.
“Democracy is at the foundation of the US-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation,” a spokesperson said, referring to South Korea by the initials of its official name, the Republic of Korea.
Top South Korean politician demands president explain decision to declare martial law
The leader of South Korea’s governing party has called on president Yoon Suk Yeol to explain his decision to declare martial law.
People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said in a statement: “As the ruling party, we feel deeply sorry to the public.”
He added: “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation. The minister of defense, who recommended this martial law, should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”
South Korean President Yoon says he will lift martial law following parliament vote
South Korean politicians watch President Yoon undo martial law
South Koreans cheer in Seoul after president says he will lift martial law
US, South Korean militaries in contact after martial law declaration and walkback, Pentagon says
The US and South Korean militaries are “in contact” after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, adding there was no request for assistance from Seoul amid the unfolding events.
The two military outfits connected prior to the South Korean president announcing he would reverse his decree later on Wednesday morning.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told a news briefing he also did not believe the martial law declaration had any significant impact so far on the roughly 28,500 US troops deployed to South Korea.
South Korean president u-turns on martial law declaration
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced that he will soon lift the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule.
Yoon said his government had withdrawn the military personnel that had been deployed, and that he would formally lift martial law following a Cabinet meeting as "soon as members arrive."
Watch live: Protesters storm South Korea’s National Assembly after president declares emergency martial law
South Korea protesters celebrate after president says he will lift martial law
Watch live as potesters storm South Korea’s National Assembly on Tuesday (3 December) after the county’s president declared an emergency martial law.
South Korea's lawmakers pass resolution against martial law
Protesters call for South Korean president to step down
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