South Korean President faces impeachment process

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated in a televised martial law declaration at 11:00 PM local time that "martial law was necessary to defend the country against North Korea and anti-state forces and to protect the free constitutional order."

Immediately following the parliamentary decision, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the parliament building to celebrate the sudden reversal, while some demonstrators attempted to breach security barricades to enter the National Assembly building.

Scuffles broke out between police and protesters at the scene.

Journalists in South Korea note that Yoon has displayed weak leadership since the general elections held in April and that his presidency, which has been overshadowed by controversy, has now turned into a crisis.

The political turmoil is fueling public fear that it could set the stage for wider protest movements in the country.

Yoon Suk Yeol now faces an impeachment process in the National Assembly following his attempt to declare martial law.

Lawmakers voted by a majority to block the president's decision to declare martial law on the grounds of "countering North Korea's communist forces" and "cleansing anti-state elements."