South Korea is reeling after a whiplash eight hours during which the country’s embattled president declared martial law but was forced to lift it amid widespread condemnation, throwing the country’s political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the country and declared martial law on Tuesday night, but backtracked hours after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against his declaration and thousands of protesters took to the streets.

President Yoon Suk-yeol's announcement sparked a night of urgency in Seoul as lawmakers, troops, and protesters raced to parliament.