South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and hours later the decision was reversed when the South Korean parliament voted to block the order. The speaker of the national assembly, Woo Won Shik, stated that the law was “invalid” and that the role of the politicians is to “protect democracy for the people.” Yoon Suk Yeol said in a TV address that the decision was based upon putting the military in charge but temporarily to “eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces.” The politicians were able to hold a vote and decide unanimously 190-0, resulting in the blockage of the president’s law. Before the law was lifted and the president's announcement was made, soldiers, police, the military, and protesters gathered outside of Parliament as a response. The crowds were so great that staff had to barricade the doors to try and stop the soldiers from entering parliament. The soldiers left soon after the law was voted against, as the law states that martial law will be lifted if the assembly votes against it.
