Why did South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol withdraw martial law? Explained in 10 points

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law on Wednesday was short-lived and met with significant resistance from the civil societies of the country. Lawmakers defied security forces and voted against the declaration, while thousands of protesters took to the streets, expressing opposition to the unprecedented move.

Here is why South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol withdrew martial law:

1. The decision to implement South Korea’s first martial law declaration in over four decades sparked the most intense political crisis in the country’s modern democratic history. As reported by AFP, civil society questioned Yoon's presidency as “not legitimate.” The declaration not only surprised South Korean citizens but also global allies.

2. Massive street protests were observed, whereas social media was flooded with criticism of Yoon. South Korea became a democracy only in the late 1980s, and military intervention in civilian affairs is still a sensitive subject. 

3. AP reported that during the dictatorships that emerged as the country rebuilt from the destruction of the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders declared martial law that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armoured vehicles on streets or in public places to prevent anti-government demonstrations.

4. On Tuesday night, Yoon abruptly imposed emergency martial law, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces after struggling to push his agenda in the opposition-dominated parliament. But his martial law was effective for only about six hours, as the National Assembly voted to overrule the president. The declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting, AFP reported.

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5. It is to be further noted that the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, said on Wednesday that its lawmakers decided to call on Yoon to quit immediately or they would take steps to impeach him. Opposition party further accused Yoon of attempting an “insurrection,” AFP reported.

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6. The country’s largest umbrella labour union called for an "indefinite general strike" until Yoon's resignation. The leader of Yoon's ruling party described the attempt as "tragic" while calling for those involved to be held accountable.

7. The United States of America, a key democratic ally of South Korea, was surprised by not informing it in advance of President Yoon's decision to impose martial law.

8. Meanwhile, the White House said that the US was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea.

9. China, a key ally of North Korea, urged its nationals in the South to stay calm and exercise caution, while Britain said it was “closely monitoring developments”. Vladimir Tikhonov, professor of Korean studies at the University of Oslo, said Yoon's move to impose martial law was “an attempt to wind history back”. “I don't think South Korea's civil society can recognise Yoon as a legitimate president any longer,” he told AFP.

10. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Wednesday that Tokyo was monitoring the situation in South Korea with “exceptional and serious concerns”.

(With inputs from AFP)