SEOUL, South Korea — President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea said he would lift the emergency declaration of martial law he imposed Tuesday as soon as he could convene his Cabinet, bowing to pressure after the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding it end. By law, Yoon needs to convene his Cabinet to lift martial law.

The announcement by Yoon early Wednesday in South Korea came five hours after he declared martial law late Tuesday night in an unannounced televised address, and soon after the assembly unanimously voted to rescind it, a swift rebuke of the president’s response to the political deadlock that has hobbled his tenure.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law had banned “all political activities” and enabled him to take command of the news media, and drew thousands of protesters outside the assembly complex in what were largely peaceful demonstrations.

Yoon, who is deeply unpopular, accused the opposition of plotting an “insurgency” and “trying to overthrow the free democracy.” But his declaration, in an unannounced speech to the nation, was a dramatic escalation of a simmering political feud and within hours had drawn protesters, tanks and military vehicles onto streets.

The South Korean act on martial law states that if the assembly demands an end to it, the president must lift it “without delay.” It was the first time a South Korean president had declared martial law since military dictatorship ended in the country in the late 1980s.

Here’s what else to know:

• Demonstrations in Seoul: Thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting “End martial law!” In images broadcast by local networks, some appeared to be trying to enter the building as police officers tried to block them. As dawn approached, the protests swelled and spilled into the adjacent streets. Thousands of people filled a section of an eight-lane road to call for the president to be arrested.
• Political paralysis: Elected after a close race in 2022, Yoon has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly. In a nationally televised speech Tuesday night, he denounced the opposition for repeatedly using its majority to impeach members of his Cabinet and block his government’s budget plans. This has “paralyzed the administration,” Yoon said. “The National Assembly, which should have been the foundation of free democracy, has become a monster that destroys it.”
• The opposition: Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, rejected Yoon’s claims. “There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country,” Lee said. “President Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people.” He called Yoon’s declaration of martial law “illegal.”
• Effects of martial law: Army Gen. Park An-su, who was appointed martial law commander, banned “all political activities,” including political party activities and citizens’ rallies, and labor activities. Park said in a decree that “all news media and publications are under the control of martial law command,” warning that those who spread “fake news” could be arrested without a court warrant. It was unclear what action the government had taken.
• From his own side: Yoon’s move was criticized by the leader of his own political party. Han Dong-hoon, the head of the People Power Party, said on Facebook that the president’s “martial law declaration is wrong” and that he would “work with the citizens to stop it.”

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This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

By Choe Sang-Hun, John Yoon and Jin Yu Young/Chang W. Lee
c. 2024 The New York Times Company