South Korea to lift martial law after parliament defies President Yoon

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday backstepped from his decision to impose martial law, which was rejected by a majority of the lawmakers.

“Martial law will be lifted immediately by accepting the National Assembly's (Parliament) request through a State Council (Cabinet) meeting,” Moon said in a second national address within hours of declaring martial law to “save the country against anti-state forces.”

Yoon had imposed martial law effective late Tuesday, the first time in 45 years. However, 190 lawmakers in the 300-seated parliament, voted down the president's move, making it obligatory on Yoon to comply with their motion.

People rose in celebration after Yoon said he will comply with the parliament's decision.

Yoon also said that troops had withdrawn from the parliament.