Late at night of December 3, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol issued a surprise decree instituting martial law, effective immediately, under the premise of countering anti-state and pro-North Korean forces in the government.

Martial law under the South Korean constitution bans all political activities, including protest and strike action, censures the press, and authorizes arrests without a warrant. The act could only be overturned by a majority vote in the National Assembly.

Following the declaration, soldiers raided the National Election Commission on account of Yoon’s baseless accusations of voter fraud, and surrounded the National Assembly meeting building. Orders were issued to prevent a convening of the assembly, and arrest Yoon’s political opponents.

   Lawmakers, fearing a popular uprising like that which ended South Korea’s dictatorship in 1987, made their way into the building by pushing through troops, with one live-streaming himself jumping the fence to get inside, and another pulling at a soldier’s rifle. Protestors flocked to the National Assembly and gathered in other cities, demanding the act be rescinded, and Yoon removed from power.

In total, 190 of the 300 parliamentarians convened, and voted unanimously to revoke the president’s order. Soldiers began departing shortly thereafter. After a total of six hours, Yoon formally recalled his decree.

   In the days since, protests have continued, calling for Yoon to be impeached or resign, and arrested to be tried for treason. Despite calling his act an attempted coup, the National Assembly failed to impeach Yoon by a margin of five votes. Popular efforts continue for Yoon’s ousting, described as a vibrant example of resistance in an era of global democratic backsliding.