Supporters of the South Korean Opposition Party gathered at the front of the parliament in the early hours of Wednesday (December 4) calling for the dismissal of the martial law President Yoon Sook Yeol declared hours before.

In a surprise late-night TV address, Yoon on Tuesday (December 3) declared martial law, slamming domestic political opponents and sending shockwaves through the country.

Yoon said opposition parties had taken the parliamentary process hostage. He vowed to eradicate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and said he had no choice but to take the measure to safeguard constitutional order.

Yonhap news agency cited the military as saying activities by parliament and political parties would be banned, and that media and publishers would be under the control of the martial law command.

That did not stop hundreds of protesters and media to gather in front of the parliament, shouting slogans and raising a South Korean flag in defiance. - report from Reuters