President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea backed away from his surprise declaration of martial law hours after the decision drove thousands of protesters into the streets and prompted calls for him to resign.

       The extraordinary declaration, which Mr. Yoon said was to counter an opposition that was “trying to overthrow the free democracy,” was the first time a South Korean president had declared martial law since the country’s military dictatorship ended in the late 1980s.

       Mr. Yoon, who was elected president in 2022, has since been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly. Members of the legislature, including those from his own party, voted to repeal the martial law within hours of Mr. Yoon’s declaration.

       Here’s what to know about the rapidly unfolding situation: What did the martial law declaration mean? Who is Yoon Suk Yeol? What happened after Yoon declared martial law? How did the martial law end?

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       What did the martial law declaration mean? South Korea’s constitution states that the president may proclaim martial law when “required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilization of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.”

       Army Gen. Park An-Su, who was appointed martial law commander by Mr. Yoon, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies. “All news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” General Park said.

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