Explainer-What we know about South Korea's martial law declaration

Military forces stand outside the National Assembly, after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, December 4, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Koreans were shocked on Tuesday when President Yoon Suk Yeol said in an unannounced live TV broadcast that he was declaring martial law - then reversed course just hours later.

After initial confusion over exactly what measures would be taken, the South Korean military released a decree banning protests and activity by parliament and political parties, and placing media under government control.