Seoul [South Korea], December 4 (HBTV): South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the withdrawal of emergency martial law early Wednesday, following a National Assembly vote demanding its termination, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The emergency martial law, declared on Tuesday in response to alleged "anti-state" activities by the opposition, was rescinded after strong domestic and international criticism. President Yoon's cabinet approved the motion to end martial law enforcement approximately six hours after its declaration.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea confirmed that troops deployed to enforce martial law had returned to their bases, signaling a return to normalcy. President Yoon stated the martial law was initially enforced to counter forces disrupting the nation's constitutional order. However, he complied with the National Assembly's call to lift it.

'At 11 p.m. last night, I declared emergency martial law with my resolute intent to save the nation in the face of anti-state forces attempting to paralyse the nation's essential functions and constitutional order of free democracy,' Yoon said, as quoted by Yonhap. 'But there was a demand from the National Assembly for the lifting of martial law; (I) have withdrawn troops mobilised to execute martial law affairs,' he added.

The declaration sparked outrage, with opposition members criticizing the military deployment and some threatening impeachment proceedings against Yoon. Hwang Un-ha, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, denounced the move and expressed plans to push for an impeachment motion.

The martial law announcement also drew sharp international reactions, with the US expressing "grave concern" over the development. Following Yoon's reversal, the White House expressed relief and reiterated its support for South Korea's democracy.

'We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the ROK National Assembly's vote to end it,' a National Security Council spokesperson said. 'Democracy is at the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance, and we will continue to monitor the situation,' the statement added.

The incident underscores tensions in South Korea's political landscape and the resilience of its democratic institutions.

(ANI)