South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a short-lived attempt on Wednesday to enforce martial law in the country. He then backtracked on the law after lawmakers protested and the public of South Korea took to the streets against the deployment of the military. In a televised address, Yoon said, “Just a moment ago, there was a demand from the National Assembly to lift the state of emergency, and we have withdrawn the military that was deployed for martial law operations.” “We will accept the National Assembly’s request and lift the martial law through the Cabinet meeting,” the president added. Even figures from Yoon’s own People Power Party expressed dismay after the leader called the situation tragic, urging accountability for all involved.
