South Korean Parliament overturns Martial Law amid tensions

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s National Assembly defied President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday by voting to lift martial law hours after his surprise declaration sent shockwaves through the country. With 190 of its 300 members present, the parliament overwhelmingly passed a motion requiring the immediate termination of martial law, which Yoon imposed late Tuesday night, citing “anti-state” activities and opposition control of the legislature.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared the move a stand for democracy, urging the withdrawal of police and military forces surrounding the Assembly. "We will protect democracy with the people," Woo said during a televised address.

Yoon’s decision to declare martial law marked the most dramatic political development in South Korea since the 1980s, an era defined by authoritarian rule. The declaration banned all political gatherings and activities, while also mandating media censorship and requiring striking doctors to return to work within 48 hours.

On Wednesday, live footage showed troops attempting to storm the National Assembly, with parliamentary staff pushing them back using fire extinguishers. The chaotic scenes underscored the heightened tensions in a nation grappling with a political crisis that has rattled its democratic foundations.

Yoon accused opposition lawmakers of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government, claiming, "They have taken parliament hostage." His declaration drew sharp criticism from both opposition leaders and members of his own conservative party, many of whom labeled it an overreach.

The political turmoil has had immediate economic repercussions, with the South Korean won falling sharply against the U.S. dollar as investors reacted to the uncertainty.

As the situation develops, the international community and South Korea’s citizens watch closely, anxious about what lies ahead in this unprecedented standoff.