It seemed far-fetched this summer when some opposition lawmakers here began warning that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol might declare martial law. Some said it was just a gut feeling. Others said they saw ominous signs,

The lawyers for a former South Korean defence minister under investigation on insurrection charges said on Thursday a short-lived martial law decree imposed earlier this month was to raise alarm on opposition parties' abuse of the democratic process.

Suspended president Yoon Suk-yeol authorised the military to fire their weapons if needed to enter parliament, according to prosecutors.