Seoul, Dec 04 (V7N) — South Korea experienced a night of political upheaval as President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law late Tuesday, only to retract the decision hours later following strong opposition from parliament.

According to reports by AFP and BBC, President Yoon made a televised announcement declaring martial law, citing threats from North Korea and internal anti-state forces as the justification for the unprecedented move. The emergency declaration marked the first imposition of martial law in the country in over 40 years.

However, the decision was met with fierce resistance from South Korea's lawmakers. Out of 300 members of parliament, 190 voted against the measure, pushing for its immediate repeal. Faced with mounting pressure, President Yoon announced during a televised address early Wednesday that martial law would be lifted following a cabinet meeting.

"I have informed the military of the lifting of martial law in response to the demands of the parliament," the president said. "The cabinet is now convening to formalize the withdrawal, as we respect the parliamentary majority's position."

Local media confirmed that the cabinet had agreed to revoke the order, effectively nullifying martial law.

The dramatic events have sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the president's rationale for the sudden declaration. Critics argue that invoking martial law undermines democratic norms, while supporters contend it was a necessary response to escalating threats from North Korea.

The situation has left South Koreans grappling with uncertainty about the nation's political and security trajectory, with many expressing relief at the swift reversal of martial law.

END/RH/AJ