South Korean democracy tested: President's overnight military control shocks nation
South-Korean leader **Yoon Suk Yeol** made an unexpected move to declare martial law which lasted just hours. Parliament members united against presidents decision forcing immediate reversal of military control
In a shocking turn of events late tuesday night South-Koreas president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law citing threats from North Korea but the decision didnt last even a day
The military took quick control placing Army Chief Park An-su in charge: troops with night-vision gear entered parliament building where staff fought back using fire-extinguishers (quite an unusual sight for modern-day democracy)
The martial-law decree banned all political activities put media under strict control and demanded striking doctors return to work. However around 190 parliament members — including some from Yoons own party managed to get through military lines and voted against this decision
I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces
The presidents action came after long-running issues with opposition-controlled parliament and his low public support. He pointed at 22 different attempts to remove his officials since he got power about one-and-half years ago
Markets reacted badly with won dropping to its lowest point in 2 years; stock prices fell 2%. The finance ministry promised unlimited help if needed
International friends showed their worry — US‚ UK and German officials spoke about keeping peaceful rule-of-law. Now opposition wants Yoon to step down his staff offered to quit and more street protests are coming up
