Observers say that Yoon acted like a president under siege.
In a speech Tuesday night, he cited opposition attempts to undermine his government before saying he was declaring martial law “to suppress anti-state forces that are wreaking havoc.”
His decree temporarily placed the military in charge, including deploying helmeted troops and police to the Capitol building, where helicopters were seen landing on the roof.
Local media also reported scenes of soldiers wearing masks entering the building holding guns, and employees tried to stop them with fire extinguishers.
The military issued a decree around 23:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Tuesday banning protests and activities by parliament and political groups and placing the media under government control.
However, Korean politicians immediately criticized Rep. Yoon’s declaration as illegal and unconstitutional. The leader of the conservative People Power Party, to which he belongs, also criticized Rep. Yoon’s actions, calling them “wrong moves.”
Meanwhile, the leader of the country’s largest opposition party Lee Jae-myeong, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, urged lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly and vote down the declaration.
He also urged ordinary Koreans to attend the National Assembly in protest.
“Tanks, armored vehicles, and soldiers with guns and swords will rule the country… Citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”
Thousands heeded the call and gathered outside the now heavily guarded parliament. Protesters chanted “No to martial law!” and “Overthrow the dictatorship.”
Local media broadcasts from the scene showed some scuffles between protesters and police at the main gate. But despite the military presence, tensions did not escalate into violence.
Lawmakers were able to avoid the barricades and make their way to the polls. He even climbed the fence.
Just after 01:00 on Wednesday, the South Korean National Assembly rejected the bill with 190 out of 300 lawmakers in attendance. Prosecutor General Yoon’s declaration of martial law was ruled invalid.
