Tengrinews.kz - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the cancellation of martial law, just hours after implementing it on the evening of December 3.
In a video address early on December 4, Yoon stated that military forces deployed under the martial law order had been withdrawn.
"We will lift martial law in accordance with the National Assembly’s demand. An emergency Cabinet meeting has been called, but as it is still early morning, we have yet to meet the quorum. Martial law will be officially lifted as soon as this is achieved," Yoon explained.
The president also urged the National Assembly to "immediately halt repeated impeachment motions, legislative deadlocks, and budgetary disputes that paralyze the functioning of the state."
Later, the Cabinet convened to formalize the decision to rescind martial law.
President Yoon's initial decision to impose martial law marked the first time in 45 years that such a measure had been declared in South Korea. The announcement came amid political tensions involving budget cuts and impeachment motions against key government officials.
Following the declaration, protesters gathered near the National Assembly building in Seoul, prompting police to block access to the parliament. Military vehicles were also deployed across the city.
Within hours, 190 out of 300 lawmakers managed to enter the National Assembly and voted to overturn the martial law. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung condemned Yoon's decision as "unconstitutional," describing it as an act "against the will of the people."
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