Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, accusing the nation's opposition of paralyzing the government with "anti-state activities," but the National Assembly voted to lift the decree hours later. "Martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom," Yoon said in an emergency national address televised live late Tuesday. It marks the first declaration of emergency martial law in South Korea since 1979. According to Yonhap News Agency, the surprise announcement came after the opposition Democratic Party (DP) railroaded a downsized budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee and submitted impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor. Under the Constitution, the president can declare martial law in response to military needs during times of war, armed conflict, a national emergency, or when public safety and order require it. Following the address, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who was named a s the leader of the martial law command, announced a decree banning all political activities, including protests and activities by political parties. At around 1 a.m. Wednesday, the 300-member National Assembly convened a plenary session to demand that Yoon lift martial law, with the resolution approved with 190 members present and 190 votes in favor. With the motion's passage, the martial law declaration is void, according to the parliamentary speaker's office. Under the Constitution, martial law must be lifted when a parliamentary majority demands it. President Yoon justified the declaration, citing the need to "rebuild and safeguard" the nation amid significant challenges. He acknowledged potential inconveniences but committed to swiftly normalizing the country while reinforcing its foreign policy commitments. He noted that 22 impeachment motions have been filed against government officials since his inauguration in May 2022, describing the situation as unprecedented in South Korean and global political h istory, significantly hampering the executive branch's function. In his address, Yoon criticized the downsized budget bill, claiming it would undermine essential government functions like drug crime prevention and public safety, pushing the country toward becoming a "haven for drugs" and leaving public safety in crisis. He accused the DP of using budget bills and impeachment motions as political tools to shield DP leader Lee Jae-myung from prosecution, who is facing several trials. Yoon described the National Assembly as a "haven for criminals," attempting to overthrow the democratic system through legislative dictatorship. Shortly after Yoon's address, the DP urgently called its lawmakers to the National Assembly. With 170 seats in the 300-member parliament, the DP holds the capacity to revoke martial law with a majority vote. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, labeled Yoon's martial law declaration as "wrong" and vowed to "block it" alongside the people. Internationally, the United S tates expressed concern, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stating that the U.S. is in contact with the South Korean government and is "closely monitoring" the situation. Campbell emphasized the hope and expectation that political disputes in South Korea would be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.