South Korea's cabinet has lifted the martial law just hours after it was announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol, who imposed it in a bid to quell what he called "anti-state forces".

Yoon backed down after lawmakers voted to oppose the unexpected declaration, which caught even South Korea's closest allies, such as the United States, off guard.

The entrance to South Korea’s National Assembly remains heavily guarded by police, but the atmosphere has become much calmer compared to the night’s chaos, though a small group of protesters continues to chant, “President Yoon should step down.”

Yoon is yet to make a public appearance since declaring the martial law but opposition lawmakers have signalled their intention to put forward a bill to potentially impeach him in the coming hours if he doesn't resign.

On this episode of Breakfast Special, Dr Ryu Yongwook, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS shares his insights.

Presented by: Emaad Akhtar
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Photo credits: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images; Reuters; BBC