South Korea martial law saga will go down in history just like the short-lived rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin the (now deceased) friend-turned-foe started a rebellion that was over within days but not before causing a political earthquake. The South Korean story may not have been as huge as Russia's, but its suddenness and 'out-of-nowhere' quotient amplified its magnitude. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, only to be rejected by country's parliament within hours. But the initial declaration threatened to destabilise one of the important geopolitical theatres in the world. Here is the timeline of what happened.

Timeline of South Korea Martial Law

December 3

7:30 pm (IST)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol makes an unexpected televised address late at night (local time) and declares martial law. To justify his decision, President Yoon claimed that “anti-state forces" were "plotting rebellion” and in order to contend with this, the martial law was necessary

8:00 pm (IST)

President Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law sends shockwaves through South Korean politics and even the world.

Political activities in the country gain pace, main opposition party calls for emergency parliament session.

Appeals are made by leaders both from ruling and opposition parties to lift the martial law. Parties make appeal to own lawmakers to head to National Assembly to life martial law.

8:20 pm (IST)

Martial law comes into effect

Around 9:30 pm (IST)

As lawmakers trickle in to the National Assembly, the total number exceeds 150. This exceeds the quorum. In a significant development, the main chamber of the assembly is blocked from the inside. Military helicopters carrying special unit troops land in parliament premises

10:00 pm

Armed soldiers try to enter the assembly building. While doing so, they clash with lawmakers, aides and other staff of the National Assembly.

10:10 pm

Some of the armed troops are successful in entering main building of the National Assembly.

10:20 pm (IST)

Plenary session of the parliament begins.

11:00 pm (IST)

Lawmakers pass motion to lift martial law. Speaker of the assembly declared the martial law invalid.

11:10 pm (IST)

Soldiers begin leaving the parliament area

December 4

2:00 am (IST):

President Yoon has no option but make a second televised address to the nation to declare that the martial law has been lifted

4:20 am (IST):

Official declaration of lifting of martial law is made. Soldiers return to their bases.

More trouble for President Yoon?

The martial law may have been lifted but things may become worse for already unpopular President Yoon Suk Yeol.

There are now demands for his resignation and even his impeachment.

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