President Yoon made a shock decision to impose martial law - but reversed his decision after lawmakers forced their way into parliament and voted against the move.

At his confirmation hearing three months ago, South Korea's defence minister Kim Yong-hyun rejected accusations from the opposition that he wanted to impose martial law. It was, the conservative hardliner said,

President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the extraordinary move amid a bitter fight with the political opposition, and protesters clashed with police outside the assembly.