South Korea witnessed an extraordinary political upheaval when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday.
However, the declaration was reportedly canceled hours after widespread protests and unanimous parliamentary approval.
The initial declaration shocked the country, with Yoon accusing opposition parties of undermining the government and promoting pro-North Korean subversion.
He claimed the move was necessary to protect the country's constitution and eliminate anti-state elements.
Martial law temporarily bans political activities and places the media under tight control, to curb the spread of fake news or propaganda.
However, the declaration sparked public outcry. Thousands of Koreans gathered outside the National Assembly in protest, denouncing the move as an attack on democracy.
Inside parliament, the 190 members held a late-night session and unanimously voted to end martial law.
The Speaker of Parliament declared a constitutional vote to overturn the president's emergency decree.
The military leader, initially enforcing the law, banned political gatherings and demonstrations, but as public pressure mounted, these restrictions failed.
Opposition leaders accused Yoon of abusing his power to target them for rejecting his budget proposals.
