Reactions to the South Korean crisis

South Korea's president lifts martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol is lifting the martial law he imposed earlier on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

A government meeting must be held as soon as possible, he adds. Celebrations broke out in the crowds outside Parliament when the news broke.

The announcement comes after the South Korean parliament voted to overturn the decision in a vote.

The president suddenly declared martial law on Tuesday afternoon in response to what he claims are pro-North Korea communists in the opposition.

Chaotic scenes then unfolded in the capital Seoul, with a large gathering of military, police and protesters.

After the president's televised address, the military banned all political activity and took control of the media.

Expert: The president will not survive politically

The sudden imposition and withdrawal of martial law in South Korea will be President Yoon Suk-Yeol's downfall. This is what Jakob Hallgren, director of the Foreign Policy Institute, told SVT Nyheter.

- I find it difficult to see how he will survive politically after such a drastic measure.

What unfolded was a showdown, based on the president's frustration at being held back by the opposition majority in parliament, according to Hallgren.

South Korea has an "imperial" system where the president has a lot of power and influence, and there is also no strong tradition of compromise. It can lead to extreme measures, he continues.