https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cn38321180et
South Korean President Yoon Seok-yul's surprise attempt to impose martial law in the country ended in failure six hours later: the parliament voted to lift martial law, and the president backed down.
The YTN television channel's website published the text of the president's address to the nation, in which he accused the opposition of paralyzing the work of the state by trying to impeach key government figures and officials. "This is a clear anti-state act that tramples on the constitutional order of the free Republic of Korea and destroys legitimate state institutions established by the Constitution and laws, trying to provoke a civil war," Yoon Seok-yul said.
The decree issued by General Park Ahn-soo, who is responsible for enforcing martial law, banned all political activity, including the work of the parliament, local councils, political parties and associations, as well as rallies, demonstrations and strikes.
The New York Times reported that the crowd outside the National Assembly grew larger overnight, and slogans for the president to resign grew louder.
The news of the president's agreement to lift martial law was met with jubilation by those gathered outside the parliament. In all likelihood, the president will resign today or impeachment proceedings will be launched.
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