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The South Korean parliament faced chaos as troops attempted to take control of the building, only to be stopped by parliamentary aides and protesters. Lawmakers defied the security cordon to enter the building and voted to reject the martial law order, prompting soldiers to leave and the order to be lifted. The abrupt reversal of the martial law order caught many South Koreans off guard.
Many citizens, like shop owner Jeong So-hee and student Emily Jo, expressed shock and disbelief at the events. There were concerns about the impact on South Korea’s domestic politics and international reputation. The decision to declare martial law was seen as a desperate move by President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had been facing an impasse with the opposition-controlled parliament and was embroiled in scandals.
The international fallout was immediate, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson postponing a visit, and a visit by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also in question. The order raised questions about the nearly 30,000 American troops stationed in South Korea. While U.S. forces were not impacted by the martial law order, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul took precautions, including canceling routine consular appointments.
The situation highlighted the need for stability and trust in international alliances, with experts cautioning against extreme measures to address political deadlock. As South Korea navigates political instability, the U.S. was urged to remain a steadfast ally to help ensure stability in the region.
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