South Korea’s president declares then revokes martial law

South Korea faced public and political turmoil on Tuesday as President Yoon Suk Yeol declared “emergency martial law” in the country for the first time since 1979, alleging the opposition party of “antistate” activities, including sympathizing with North Korea and plotting an insurgency.

Yoon’s unprecedented move echoed the country’s military dictatorship in the 1980s. It provoked widespread protests as thousands of demonstrators gathered to demand a return to democratic governance.

Issued at 11 p.m., Yoon retracted his declaration a few hours after the National Assembly unanimously voted to strike down the controversial decree. 

According to the South Korean Constitution, the president must abide by the vote.

There were also calls for the president’s resignation from unions and opposition lawmakers who filed a motion to impeach Yoon.

If the bill is vetoed, a vote is expected within 72 hours, according to Reuters. Yoon faces potential impeachment if two-thirds of the Assembly approves the motion.