S. Korea's Yoon declares martial law; Parliament votes to revoke decision

President says move aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean anti-state forces’

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SEOUL South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec 3 declared emergency martial law in an unannounced late night address broadcast live on television, which the opposition-led Parliament voted hours later to revoke.

It was the first time since 1980 that martial law has been declared in South Korea.

Mr Yoon claimed he would eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces", but did not cite any specific threat from North Korea, instead focusing on his domestic political opponents.

All 190 lawmakers present voted in favour of the motion to revoke the declaration made by Mr Yoon, after Speaker Woo Won-shik convened an emergency plenary session.

According to Korean law, the president is required to lift the declaration if the National Assembly requests it after a majority vote.

Mr Yoon's declaration sent shock waves through the country.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Parliament building to protest against the imposition of martial law, according to live footage.

Live television footage showed troops attempting to enter the assembly building, apparently tasked with imposing martial law, and parliamentary aides trying to push them back by spraying fire extinguishers.

In a Facebook post on Dec 3, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul said it was closely monitoring the situation, urging all Singaporeans in South Korea to stay calm and monitor the news.

Singaporeans in South Korea are recommended to register online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.