South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he would approve lifting martial law as soon as the country's Cabinet reaches a quorum. 

 Yoon's diktat earlier on December 3 marked the first time in 44 years that the country has come under military rule, as a constitutional crisis between the government and opposition escalates into the most serious political upheaval in decades.

Following the martial law declaration, South Korea's parliament, in an emergency session, voted to block the president's move, according to the Yonhap news agency. 

Earlier on December 3, military vehicles and helicopters were seen moving toward the National Assembly in Seoul as protesters gathered outside, while opposition leader Lee Jae-myung denounced the move as unconstitutional, warning that "tanks, armoured vehicles and armed soldiers will soon control the country."

The dramatic developments unfolded after Yoon announced the emergency measures, claiming they were necessary to "eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the free constitutional order."

The president's decision came following attempts by the opposition Democratic Party to impeach 22 government officials since his administration took office in June.

"This is an anti-social action against the interests of the people," Lee said, reflecting growing alarm among opposition figures about the president's unprecedented move.

General Park An-su, appointed as martial law commander, swiftly ordered the suspension of Parliament and political party activities, while implementing controls over media outlets. The military has placed all battalions on high alert as protests emerged in the capital.

South Korea's defence ministry ordered reserve forces to report for duty and placed all battalion commanders and above on emergency standby, as the nation grappled with its first declaration of martial law in over four decades.

Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun convened an urgent meeting with key military commanders to bolster emergency response readiness, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's implementation of martial law amid an escalating political crisis.

"All ministry personnel have been ordered to report for duty," a defence ministry spokesperson told local media, as military units across the country elevated their alert status. The air force has mobilised its reserve fighter aircraft for surveillance and patrol missions, significantly increasing military presence in the skies above Seoul.

The Russian embassy in Seoul urged its citizens to remain calm and avoid participating in mass gatherings, particularly those of a political nature, highlighting international concern about the situation.

The United States, South Korea's key ally, is "closely monitoring" developments and is in contact with South Korean authorities, according to White House officials. However, they have yet to make any formal statement on the crisis.

The last time South Korea imposed martial law was in May 1980, during the democratic uprising against the then-military government. The return to military rule after more than four decades of democracy has sparked fears about the country's political stability and democratic future.

The crisis appears rooted in an ongoing power struggle between Yoon's administration and the opposition-controlled parliament, which has attempted to impeach numerous government officials, potentially paralysing both judicial and executive branches of government, according to the president's office.