Out of the chaos inside South Korea, of course, a
key US ally after that stunning announcement.
South Korea's democratically elected president declaring martial law.
The White House, of course, watching this very closely today
with nearly 30,000 U.S.
troops stationed there.
President Yun with a late night announcement on TV banning
all political activities, taking control of the media.
Then lawmakers rushing to parliament, barricading themselves inside.
Soldiers storming the building, clashing with protesters there late tonight.
President Yun officially backing down now.
And now the growing call for him to resign.
Martha Raddatz here with late developments tonight.
Tonight, dramatic images from South Korea, one of America's key
allies after South Korea's president declared martial law.
Protesters flooding the streets, clashing with police.
This woman seen grabbing an officer's gun.
Military helicopters hovering above the parliament building in Seoul.
President Yun Sokul, a deeply unpopular leader claiming political opponents
are trying to overthrow his government.
Yun calling for all political activities to cease.
Opposition leaders rushing into parliament barricading themselves inside.
Soldiers storming the building.
But just hours after Yun's declaration, South Korea's National Assembly
voted to halt the president's order.
And late today, President Yun officially backing down, lifting his
declaration, pulling the military off the streets.
the US blindsided by Yun's move, watching the events with
grave concern.
We want to see these political disputes resolved peacefully and
in accordance with the rule of law.
the US has nearly 30,000 troops in South Korea acting
as a deterrence to nuclear armed North Korea next door.
So let's bring in Martha Raddatz with us here in
New York tonight.
And Martha, with those 30,000 U.S.
troops you just mentioned, they're obviously the US very concerned
with what they witnessed play out today.
The White House very concerned, David, but very relieved that
President Yun reversed course.
But this drama is far from over.
In fact, tonight, South Korea's Democratic Party saying they will
start impeachment proceedings unless noon steps down immediately, growing calls
to resign at this hour.
Martha Raddatz with us.
Martha, thank you.