On Tuesday, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing the need to protect constitutional order amidst tensions over a budget bill and accusing the opposition of trying to destabilize the government.

This marked the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1980, shocking the nation due to its democratic governance in recent decades.

Following a vote in parliament where 190 out of 300 lawmakers demanded the cessation of martial law, President Yoon announced on Wednesday that he would lift the declaration.

The United States, a key ally, expressed serious concern and stated it was monitoring the situation closely, with President Joe Biden being briefed during his visit to Angola.

The United Nations also expressed its concern, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres monitoring developments.

British authorities advised their citizens to avoid demonstrations and keep updated with travel advisories.

In response to the martial law, demonstrations erupted outside the South Korean parliament building, with citizens demanding its withdrawal.

The announced martial law, set to start at 11 PM local time, saw an unprecedented deployment of troops attempting to control the assembly, resisted by parliamentary aides using fire extinguishers.

South Korean online portal Naver experienced disruptions but resumed normal operations following the initial announcement.