South Korea President’s Martial Law Gambit Collapses in Six Hours

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran UPDATE: In a whirlwind political drama that played out overnight in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law lasted barely six hours before he was forced to back down early Wednesday morning, marking a stunning reversal that has left his presidency on shakier ground than ever.

The crisis reached its climax when troops surrounded parliament, only to be met with defiant lawmakers who swiftly voted to reject military rule.

In scenes reminiscent of 1980s-era political upheaval, protesters faced off with soldiers outside the National Assembly, with one woman confronting troops while attempting to grab a rifle and shouting, “Aren’t you embarrassed?,” according to AP.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared the martial law declaration “invalid,” with parliament standing firm in its promise to “protect democracy with the people.” The military presence was withdrawn around 4:30 a.m.