Seoul: The United States has expressed encouragement over the resilience demonstrated by South Korea's democratic processes following a brief period of martial law. U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg commented on the situation after South Korea experienced significant unrest when President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law late Tuesday. The declaration was made amid accusations from President Yoon toward the opposition, alleging that they were engaging in "anti-state" activities, which he claimed were paralyzing the government. According to Yonhap News Agency, the martial law declaration has triggered a strong response from civic and labor groups, who are organizing candlelight and protest rallies nationwide. The protests are demanding President Yoon's resignation due to the controversial martial law decision. In Gwangju, a southwestern city, approximately 1,000 citizens are anticipated to participate in a candlelight rally set to commence at 7 p.m., with similar protests planned in Suncheon, Yeos u, and other cities within South Jeolla Province. Additionally, diplomatic relations have been impacted, as a planned visit from Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and other officials has been postponed. The Swedish delegation was initially scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Thursday, but the visit has been delayed indefinitely following the martial law turmoil. Political tensions have also escalated domestically, with the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, intensifying his criticism of President Yoon. Lee accused Yoon of potentially considering another martial law declaration and made these remarks during a meeting with other opposition party leaders, after the National Assembly successfully blocked the martial law declaration earlier on Wednesday.