The martial law declaration caught South Korea's political establishment and U.S. officials by surprise. Yoon only rescinded the measure after a broad coalition of lawmakers in the National Assembly − South Korea's Parliament − voted to block it and the country appeared to be heading toward wide-scale protests.

President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the East Asian democracy by declaring martial law only to lift the order hours later under intense pressure.

South Korea is reeling over a shock martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose short-lived gamble will have major implications.