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President of South Korea Declares Martial Law and Quickly Rescinds It : State of the World from NPR In a shocking turn of events, martial law was declared late at night by the president of South Korea, giving him extraordinary powers. Then after protests and an act of parliament, the order was reversed seven hours later. To try to understand what is happening with this key U.S. ally and trading partner, we hear from NPR's correspondent in Seoul.

State of the World from NPR

What on Earth is Happening In South Korea?

What on Earth is Happening In South Korea?

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South Korean soldiers try get into the national assembly on December 4, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. Yoon Suk Yeol announced he was taking the step, which enacts temporary rule by the military, during a televised speech on Tuesday, saying it was critical for defending the country's constitutional order. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images hide caption

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Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

South Korean soldiers try get into the national assembly on December 4, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. Yoon Suk Yeol announced he was taking the step, which enacts temporary rule by the military, during a televised speech on Tuesday, saying it was critical for defending the country's constitutional order.

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

In a shocking turn of events, martial law was declared late at night by the president of South Korea, giving him extraordinary powers. Then after protests and an act of parliament, the order was reversed seven hours later. To try to understand what is happening with this key U.S. ally and trading partner, we hear from NPR's correspondent in Seoul.