South Korea prez stuns world with martial law

Army takes control; Parliament passes resolution seeking its lifting

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SOUTH Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared martial law, accusing the opposition of being "anti-state forces" and saying he was acting to protect the country from "threats" posed by the North.

Lawmakers quickly voted to oppose the shock declaration but the military backed Yoon, setting up a stand-off with no clear way forward.

The National Assembly was sealed late on Tuesday night and helicopters were seen landing on the roof.

Troops entered the building for a short time, while hundreds of protesters gathered outside parliament chanting: "arrest Yoon Suk Yeol" and faced off with security forces guarding parliament.